Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
Acts 8:35–38, ESV
As Christians, wherever we go, we carry the Gospel with us. Not all of us will be called to the wilderness like Philip, but all who believe and trust in Christ Jesus as Lord have a calling to share the good news. When I was a kid, the Good News Bible was a popular Bible to give out for a child’s first Bible. It was easy to read and get into the Word. Sadly, this Bible became the book that was brought to Sunday School and Confirmation, but most of the time, it just sat on a shelf. We are meant to be a people of the Word and in the Word. It is for this purpose that when people are looking for God, we can show them how close He truly is as we can open the Word to them. To do this, however, it is important that we know the Word. We are meant to have it written on our hearts. Philip recognized the Word that the Ethiopian was reading and used it as a means to proclaim Christ. We may not run into someone just reading from Isaiah, but we may find people that are struggling with things, and something from the Bible may come to our minds that can offer comfort, peace, and direction. Philip didn’t come with a planned statement but was led by the Holy Spirit to the man and gave witness to Him, tying what He was reading to the message that Jesus gave to all believers. It was natural. We, too, have this to give to others. It need not be forced or be a prepared statement. As we read the Word, God opens for us opportunities as He writes His Word within us. With this Word, He then opens our minds and our mouths to give witness to what He has written upon our hearts. There are many in our communities that we may know who are struggling and do not know Jesus. Let our Lord write His message upon our hearts as we regularly read and listen to the great gift He has given to us. Let us be a people always of the Word.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.