“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” Acts 8:4-5
Philip is a great example as we consider the way the Lord leads His people and places them exactly where He wants them, In Acts Chapter 6, along with the other Deacons chosen to minister in the church at Jerusalem the Bible tells us he was “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,”
As the church grew in Jerusalem, so did persecution, causing them to scatter to other places. Philip went to the city of Samaria and began to preach to the people there. Miracles were performed and many believed in Jesus because of his ministry, bringing much joy to the city. Peter and John came, laid hands on those who believed, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. As the revival continued, no doubt Philip would have been content to stay there and preach.
But God had other plans.
Acts 8:26 “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.”
Philip was obedient to the voice of the Lord and left the congregation in Samaria to minister to one man in the desert. After he had opened the Gospel to him, and baptized him, the Spirit of the Lord caught him away and he found himself in Azotus. So, he began preaching in all the cities he passed through on his way to Caesarea.
What can we learn from Philip’s story?
- Wherever the Lord has placed you, find a way to serve.
- Whatever the Lord has given you to do, be faithful and give it your all.
- Keep your ears open to the voice of the Lord, and your eyes open for opportunities.
- Be ready to walk through the doors the Lord opens.
Luke 16:10 “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”
I Corinthians 4:1 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
There were seven deacons chosen to serve the widows in Jerusalem, and the Lord had a plan and a purpose for each one of them. We know that Stephen was stoned because of his ministry. We have looked at how the Lord used Philip as an evangelist and a witness. The Bible does not tell us what happened to the other five.
God calls some to be preachers, missionaries, evangelists, and other ministries. He calls others just to be faithful to Him where He has placed us. He knows where we are needed, and as we listen to His voice, He will direct every step.
Prayer: Jesus, we are so thankful that you have a plan and a purpose for each one of us and as we daily communicate with you, you will use us where we are needed.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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