Monday, September 22, 2008

Phil's Kenya Devotional~#3

In Acts 8:26-end of chapter we read about Philip's great adventure. In verse 26 an angel of the Lord spoke to him, telling him where to go.

A few things here; one is that in almost every instance where an angel appeared to somebody, they were not just afraid, but greatly afraid. So maybe this was similar to when the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream prior to the birth of Jesus. It doesn't say Joseph was afraid or troubled.

What is it like to hear an angel speak? Have I experienced this without knowing or realizing just how close to heaven I was?

Secondly, the angel gave vague directions. But the directions were accurate enough to have the apostle in the right place at the right time. After he had arrived in the general vicinity, it was the Holy Spirit's turn, and Philip must have been really listening now, because he received specific instruction in order to do and say the right thing.

What an opportunity! He met a man who was searching for the truth, and was able to explain the story of salvation in such a way to this influential individual that he gladly believed the message and was baptized.

But the Holy Spirit wasn't finished with Philip that day. He had other things for him to do. Can you imagine the Ethiopian's surprise when the apostle disappeared, and can you imagine how Philip might have felt suddenly arriving at a distant location?

All this because he was listening.

He heard the angel of the Lord, he heard the directions of the Spirit of the Lord, and he heard the Ethiopian official invite him into his chariot for a ride.

Let's listen, and not let things like vague directions and intimidating officials keep us from following through or sharing our testimony.

Have a great day, Phil

Got an e-mail from Phil this morning, giving some job directions to the boys. He wrote about the elephant orphanage and the other wild animals that they saw. I think they are on their way to The Boonies today.

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