Somewhere In the Middle

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Scripture:

30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.

Observation:

There was a place somewhere in the middle of this relationship where God was able to do his work. The eunuch had been traveling in the comfort which was provided because of his position. Along the way he was reading aloud, which was the way in which you read in those days. Somehow he had a portion of the book of Isaiah which was his reading material for the journey.

At the same time Philip was on the same road. He didn’t have all the nice comforts the eunuch had but would have looked quite poor in comparison. He would not have been worthy to even speak to the eunuch but something stirred him. He heard the words of the prophet Isaiah describing the Messiah.

Disregarding the social barriers Philip spoke to the eunuch and asked him whether he understood what he was reading. The man said he did not and then, reaching across the social divide, he invited Philip to come and get in beside him.

Application:

To be able to hear the good news of Jesus there had to be a meeting in the middle. The eunuch showed great humility, being willing to speak to Philip, and then inviting him into the chariot.

Philip, for his part, was obedient to the leading of the Spirit. The nudge of the Holy Spirit led him to stay near to the eunuch’s chariot. As he stayed near, he listened attentively and then jumped at the opportunity which was provided.

Obedience on the part of both men allowed for a meeting in the middle, a place where God’s work could be done. Somewhere along the way in our journey we may find ourselves in the position of either of these individuals. When God begins to call and do his work there must be a response of humility and obedience. It was the meeting in the middle where God did his work and the eunuch found transformation. Something synergistic happened when the hunger of the eunuchs heart was satisfied by the explanation of the word.

When God places a yearning in your heart — respond in obedience to his call. Be willing to be humble and close the gap between yourself and those who may have the answer. And if you have the answer, be prepared to speak up. Study up so that you can respond. Know the word!

Obedience leads to a meeting in the middle where the Holy Spirit is working and the result is transformation. 

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to be obedient to living in that middle space.  Amen.

If you would like to read more "Reflecting the Image"  click on the image to take you to the NPH bookstore.The book is also available in Kindle format on Amazon.com.



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