The Fourth of Ten days

Acts 8:1-8, 26-40

God is committed to fulfilling his plan of global evangelization (8:1-3)

Jesus clearly laid out His plan in Acts 1:8 that the disciples would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and then the ends of the earth. They did a great job with Jerusalem. In 5:28 their opponents complained, "You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching." The writer Luke adds in 6:7, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly." Yet the disciples were not being obedient to the rest of Christ’s commission. The gospel had not made its way into Judea, Samaria, and especially not the ends of the earth. At the end of chapter 7 all the apostles and thousands of Christians were huddled in Jerusalem. They had become settled, staying where it was easy, convenient, and culturally comfortable.

But even when the early church was reluctant and disobedient to take the gospel across national and cultural boundaries, God remained committed to his unchanging purpose of global evangelization. Apparently God was willing to go to great lengths to keep the gospel from becoming isolated among one people so he scattered the believers by allowing a great persecution to break out against the church in Jerusalem. Notice what happens to the disciples: "all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." The gospel crossed cultural boundaries. God was fulfilling his plan even when the methods of moving his people out are painful! He continues to carry out his eternal unchanging purpose for the world. .

If we are going to be a part of God’s "Global Rescue Operation" we must die to our personal prejudices (8:4-8, 14-17, 25)

Philip was one of those who was scattered. He made his way into Samaria and began to proclaim Christ there. God was doing powerful things among this people and many responded. The text tells us "there was great joy in that city." When the apostles in Jerusalem heard about what God was doing in Samaria, they sent Peter and John there. Don’t read past that too quickly. These were Samaritans. The Samaritans were a mix of Jewish and Gentile blood. The Jews considered them detestable. We read in John 4:9 that "Jews do not associate with Samaritans." There were some major cultural boundaries here. Peter and John had to die to their own prejudice and recognize that God was at work among these people that he obviously loved and wanted to include in His Kingdom.

God loves all people regardless of race, color, culture, or language. For us to look down upon or try to avoid people from other cultures because they look different, smell different or eat different foods is to miss the heart of God. We must face our own prejudice and die to our sinful sense of cultural superiority so we can be free to love people who are different. Remember the only distinction in the Scriptures are those who know Christ and those who don’t. We who know him are to share his love with those who don’t regardless of differences.

God is the God of Divine Appointments (8:26-40)

Philip, under the guidance of the Lord, finds himself on a desert road where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch. The Ethiopian is reading the book of Isaiah and Philip, explaining the words to him, leads him to faith in Christ and baptizes him. It is an amazing story. God is working in the life of this Ethiopian. He is giving him a curious heart and drawing his attention to the Word, specifically to a passage about Christ. At the same time, he is leading Philip into this cross-cultural encounter. The Lord brings to the two together for a divine appointment.

When we go on mission we are stepping into an ancient work. God has been and is at work all over the world, drawing people to himself. In East Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and all across the globe, God is seeking after the lost. He is constantly at work in the hearts of people. He invites us to join him on that search and to be on the telling end of a divine appointment. There may be someone on the other side of the world that God wants to use you specifically to bring the message to. Are you willing to go?

Great God, you are committed to reaching the ends of the earth with the message of Jesus Christ. Work in my heart that I might share that same passion. Do whatever it takes to give me your heart for the nations. Kill my prejudice and my sinful sense of cultural superiority and help me to love all peoples with the love of Christ. I praise you that you are a Good Shepherd who seeks after lost sheep. Thank you for finding me. Impress on my heart more and more that you desire to use me to seek and find others in my community and around the world. I want to be open to your divine appointments in my life, even if it requires great distance and sacrifice on my part. Use me God for the sake of your name. Amen.