Read: Acts 8:26–40
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 34–36; John 19:1–22
The [Ethiopian] asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Acts 8:34
Waldo is the cartoonish star of “Where’s Waldo,” a now-classic
best-selling children’s book series. Waldo hides himself in the crowded
scenes on each page, inviting children to find where he’s hiding.
Parents around the world love the moments of sweet discovery when their
children’s faces signal they’ve found Waldo. They also enjoy the
occasions when they’re invited to help find him.
Shortly after Stephen, a deacon in the early church, was stoned
to death for proclaiming Christ (see Acts 7), widespread persecution
broke out against Christians, causing many to flee Jerusalem. Another
deacon, Philip, followed these fleeing Christians into Samaria, where he
proclaimed Christ and it was well received (8:6). While there, the Holy
Spirit sent Philip on a special mission to “the desert road.” It must
have seemed a strange request given the fruit his preaching was
producing in Samaria itself. Imagine Philip’s joy, then, when he met and
helped the Ethiopian court official find Jesus in the pages of Isaiah
(vv. 26–40).
We too are often given the chance to help
others “find Jesus” throughout the Scriptures so they may know Him more
fully. Like a parent witnessing the joy of discovery in their child’s
eyes and like Philip helping the Ethiopian find Jesus, it can be
exhilarating for us to witness the moment of discovery in those around
us. As we go through our days, may we be prepared to share Christ as the
Spirit leads us, whether they are people we know well or those we meet
even just once.
The biggest work a Christian can do is to find his friend and introduce him to Jesus Christ.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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