Divine Connection

Acts 8:26-35

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). God cares for all men, whether they do evil, or good. In fact, one of God’s most amazing and unappreciated characteristics is, His patience. Oftentimes, men take for granted, the time God grants them in the earth, but soon that time will expire.

King Solomon helps us understand, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3). God wants all men to submit themselves to His will and authority, so they can reap the best benefits of this life, and the next. Unfortunately, the world has become so corrupt to the point men, women, and children alike, are dying at unfathomable rates. Many pass away too soon, before they can even begin to enjoy the benefits that come with living a saved life. God the Father sees all, knows all, and desires that all come to Him, before their time is cut short. For this reason, the Spirit of God works through those who are attuned to His will, and joins them with others who diligently seek the truth of God’s Word. God is good, and His mercy endures forever, so all who have a strong desire to known Him, will indeed discover the depths of His unparalleled love, grace, and mercy.

Our text introduces a certain man; one who was of great authority, and served under queen Candace of the Ethiopians, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. While it may seem strange for an Ethiopian eunuch to seek worship in Jerusalem, tradition tells that king Solomon taught his religion to the queen of Sheba, who established it among her people. So it was only right for the man to travel to give honor to the God of the great king Solomon. As the man sat in his chariot, he struggled to understand the readings of the prophet Isaiah. It’s evident he had a desire for godliness, but couldn’t grasp its concepts. This was the perfect opportunity for God to connect a man seeking the truth, with another who understood and lived the truth.

During this time, persecution of the church had elevated to astounding rates (spearheaded by Saul, who had recently ordered the death of Stephen), yet the apostles and disciples of Christ continued to branch out to spread the Gospel to different lands. While watching the Ethiopian man from Heaven, struggling to understand the Word, God sent an angel to Philip, instructing him to get up, and go to Gaza. Not knowing the reason for the urgent request, Philip arose and did as he was instructed. When he arrived, the Spirit told Philip to join himself to the same chariot which the Ethiopian man sat upon. I’m certain God was smiling, as He observed the willing and obedient servant, approaching the chariot of someone seeking to know and abide by the truth. After Philip literally ran to meet the man, the Bible says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” (vs. 35).

God knows what we have need of, and He always has someone in place, to assist in whatever way possible. The Ethiopian man may have left his estate with questions, but I’m certain he arrived back home with more than he expected. Trust God to help you find answers to questions you may have concerning His Word, or life in general. When you seek God with all your heart, He’ll always send someone to help you gain a better understanding of those hard things you are unable to grasp.

Hearts Of Repentance

Genesis 42:29-34

To what lengths would you go, to save the life of someone you love? The story of the life of Joseph is filled with many valuable lessons, that can all benefit anyone who desires to be more like God. In our text, Joseph was very careful not to reveal his identity to his brothers suddenly, as he perhaps desired to uncover the truths of his younger brother Benjamin, and his father Jacob. Joseph knew how vile and malicious the hearts of his older brothers were, so he was wise in his initial approach toward them.

The text reads that Joseph spake roughly with them, no doubt to bring back to their remembrance, how they willingly planned to end his young life. Through God’s wisdom, Joseph’s strategy worked. After a moment of harsh, yet necessary dealings with his brethren, Joseph caused the once unruly men to finally face the truth of their actions toward him as a child. It’s hard to get over being hurt, especially when it comes by the hands of family, but time always has a way of reminding your persecutors that their ungodly acts toward you, will always work against them, until they repent.

Joseph was able to endure extreme hardships, receive the highest honor as ruler of Egypt, and be reunited with his father and younger brother once again. Joseph’s brothers thought selling him into slavery would be his end, but God sent the young lad on a journey, to eventually preserve their very own lives. Your life may not seem to be all that and a bag of chips at the moment, but keep on pressing on, and watch how God orchestrates the events of your life, to serve His life-changing purpose.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Humility Is Key

Matthew 21:1-11

Celebrities are treated as kings and queens in America, and around the world. Athletes, rappers and singers, and even television and movie stars, receive royal treatment almost everywhere they go. Men and women alike, cry, scream, and lose themselves when a celebrity graces their presence. Oftentimes, businesses would render free, and expensive gifts to some, simply because they are considered famous. That sucks for those who are “regular Joes”, because most celebrities can afford anything they want. But, such is life. It’s sad how the average celebrity expects to be highly recognized, when entering an arena, walking out on stage, or just in the general public, because they are human, just as we are, but most have given up their morals and values, for the mighty dollar. It’s rare you’ll find a humble, and generous celebrity these days, because the love of money has caused many to set aside morality, for selfishness, but there’s one celebrity who regularly shunned the spotlight, and allowed His works to speak on His behalf.

When Jesus prepared to make His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, His purpose was not to draw attention to Himself, at least not for selfish reasons. He could have chosen to enter Jerusalem, riding on a fine chariot, with the finest steeds, or trot in on a towering elephant, but His humble nature would never allow Him to succumb to the pleasures of men. Instead, the Savior sent His disciples to claim a donkey, and a colt (the donkey’s offspring) to use as He made His grand entrance. During those days, and even now, donkeys weren’t considered the choice means of transportation, for men of great stature and relevance, but Jesus knew the importance of His mission, and would not allow pride, nor ignorance to hinder Him from fulfilling His assignment.

The average person sees value based on outward appearance, but Jesus knew, the donkey was a symbol of determination and strong will. Donkeys are very dedicated, and they seem to not tire easily. These same characteristics of the donkey, were what Jesus put on full display; humility, dedication, determination, strong will, and endurance (I can safely assume, many of you never looked at it from that perspective).

God didn’t send Jesus to the earth to become popular to the world, nor to build His reputation to celebrity status. The problem many Christians have is, they feel the need to blend in with the world’s system, in order to appear attractive. But, that’s the opposite of what Christ came to do. The Son of God stuck out like a sore thumb, because He went against all of man’s doctrine, and delivered the unadulterated words from His Father.

We don’t have to be popular to the world, nor strive to be famous, to be relevant. Living for God makes us relevant by default, and He’ll exalt those who love Him, at the appropriate time. I advise all believers to walk in love, and humility, while following in the footsteps of Christ, all the days of your life.

Walk in love,

Ell