LIGHT OF UNDERSTANDING (3)

“So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “DO YOU UNDERSTAND what you are reading?” – Acts 8:30

God is highly committed to shining the LIGHT of UNDERSTANDING into every sincerely seeking heart: “So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “DO YOU UNDERSTAND what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). This is the fascinating account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, showing the great length that God can go, to enhance Understanding. Philip was one of the original seven deacons selected to serve in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:5). He had a heart for evangelism, and when the “great persecution” arose, he left to evangelize in Samaria (Acts 8: 1,5-12). As he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel, suddenly the Lord instructed him to travel south.

The task was so important that the Lord sent His angel with detailed directions: “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza” This is desert” (v.26b). Philip obeyed and upon arriving, saw in a chariot, a prominent official from Ethiopia, who had travelled to Jerusalem in order to worship. He was likely someone who already had a reverential fear of the One True God. The Holy Spirit then instructed Philip: “Go near and overtake this chariot” (v.29b). As he ran in obedience, he was inspired to ask a really crucial question: “DO YOU UNDERSTAND what you are reading?” By asking this, Philip was revealing some significance truths.

First, Philip was humble and faithful. He could have assumed that this man didn’t need anything because he was already reading the Bible. Instead, he humbly understood that God was going to use Him in the next step of the man’s spiritual walk. We need similar understanding.

Second, is the importance of discipleship. Philip came alongside this student of the Bible and offered to help Him grow. God can use each of us to follow up where others left off, in “making disciples” (Mt.28:19). Philip was sensitive to God’s leading and faithful to make a disciple. We can take up the task of helping others grow in their understanding of scriptural truth.

Third, in order to grow into greater Christlikeness, we must take the time to UNDERSTAND the Bible, never so proud as to assume that no one can teach us anything. True wisdom reflects in willingness to learn (Pro.9:9).

The Bible is an inexhaustible gold mine! But it is meant to be understood. The infinitely Wise Creator of the Universe chose to record all the truth that we need for any encounter in life. It’s abnormal to meet Christians of many years standing, with a very shallow understanding, either due to pride or laziness in studying the Bible. Philip took the time to explain the context and background of the verses the eunuch was reading, making the vital connection between the Old Testament passage and the Lord Jesus Christ! Let us likewise commit to seeking Understanding!