WEDNESDAY April 12, 2023

The Salvation of One

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”
Acts 8:26-29

God not only used Peter’s life, He also used Stephen––a man full of the Holy Spirit––the first martyr of the early church. Philip was also among the seven men chosen with Steven to serve tables:

...the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”. . . And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus . . . whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them (Acts 6:2-6).

God used Philip’s life to reach one man––a man of Ethiopia––the treasurer of Candace the queen of the Ethiopians. Imagine, there was this incredible revival happening in Samaria, but God called Philip to leave and to go into a deserted place. Why? God was going to begin another great work. So Philip left the multitudes to minister to only one person.

You see, God had seen the heart of one man who was searching for Him. The Ethiopian man was reading the scroll of Isaiah. He had left Jerusalem to go home, but was still searching for the Lord.

God wanted Philip to leave a place of revival so that one man could receive His mercy and grace. This one Ethiopian man would go home and spread the Gospel all over Africa.

God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours.
~David Livingstone~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!