Daily Devotionals
january 25, 2021
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:26-31
“He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning…” The Ethiopian queen’s treasurer had been worshipping in Jerusalem, and now he was going BACK to his country—but he was confused by something he had heard during his pilgrimage to the Holy City. He possessed an actual copy of the writing, something that was QUITE uncommon. He was trying to work it out himself, and the puzzle pieces weren’t fitting together. (I must say, the book of Isaiah is not something I would attempt to decipher on my own. So “Bravo” to him for trying!)
Unless something is clarified, we will remain confused. All it takes is for just one person to help us sort through confusing language or an unfamiliar context. It might be one pastor through a sermon. It might be a friend or a family member who had already studied the passage. Or it might be an intuitive stranger who sees us struggling and offers insight. All through scripture, we see individuals who help others in their transition from blindness to sight. All it takes is one.
Groups rarely offer insight. Revelation is best delivered in a one-on-one encounter. Even in a Bible Study group, you are blessed with understanding when one person says something in a way so unique that each person within the group has that “Aha!” moment.
You yourself might be that opportunity for someone else, the one to help with understanding. Be ready. Learn how God has gifted you to be the one person who is needed at a moment ordained by Him.
For Reflection
How can I offer clarity and insight to another person?
How has God gifted me to reveal a truth about Him to someone else?
Prayer
God, sometimes I am a little nervous about being “the one” to clarify for someone else; it seems like a great responsibility. But when I trust You, You give me the words. When I allow myself to rest in Your Spirit, I can calmly offer wisdom and help a friend sort through a confusing moment. Give me that calm and that trust to know You are with me in every conversation. In Christ’s name, Amen.
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