Day 12 - Concord Student Journey

 

Read Acts 8:26-40

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
    and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
    Who can speak of his descendants?
    For his life was taken from the earth.”[b]

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] [c] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

In Acts 8:26-40, we see the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was instructed by an angel to go south to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. There, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading from the prophet Isaiah. The eunuch asked Philip to explain the text to him, and Philip shared with him the good news of Jesus Christ.

This passage teaches us that God can use anyone, even ordinary people like Philip, to do extraordinary things for his kingdom. It also shows us that God's love is for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As teenagers, it can be easy to feel like we are too young or too insignificant to make a difference in the world. But the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch reminds us that God can use us in big ways, even when we feel small.

Real-life examples of how this scripture applies to you:

1. Sharing the gospel with a friend: Just like Philip shared the good news with the Ethiopian eunuch, you can share the gospel with your friends. You never know how God might use your words to impact someone's life.

2. Serving in your community: The eunuch was an important official in his country, but he still needed to hear the gospel. Similarly, there are people in your community who may be in need of love and hope. You can serve them by volunteering at a local food bank, organizing a clothing drive, or simply being a listening ear.

Reflection questions:

1. In what ways have you felt too young or insignificant to make a difference? How can the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch encourage you to step out in faith?

2. How can you share the love of Christ with someone in your life who may not know him? What practical steps can you take to show them his love?

May this passage remind you that God has a plan for your life, and that he can use you to make a difference in the world. Keep seeking him and trusting in his plan for you.

Blessings