SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch… 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.
OBSERVATION: How the “angel of the Lord” appeared to Philip, we are not told. But by Philip’s immediate obedience, we understand that he recognized this was a messenger from the Lord.
Then when Philip met the Ethiopian, the Spirit spoke to Philip again. We do not know if it was in an audible voice, or through a strong impression in his heart and mind. But however it was, Philip recognized it as God speaking to him; he obeyed. In the other parts of this passage, Philip just did what he knew was the right thing to do. The results are the proof that God was speaking to Philip!
APPLICATION: God still speaks to us today. The most important way is through His Word. The Scriptures set the boundaries. God will never lead us contrary to His revealed Word. But there are many things that are important for which we need guidance—things not mentioned in the Bible.
Philip would not find in the scriptures that he should go south to the road to Gaza. And he would not find a scripture telling him to be close to the chariot. But those were important parts of what God wanted to happen. Once abord the chariot, Philip was in familiar territory; the Ethiopian was reading from Isaiah!
Many times God leads me with a strong inclination or drawing my attention to something that looks unique. Many SOAPs have been written following those feelings. Once into writing the SOAP, God shows me something specific He wants me to emphasize.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, make me sensitive to what you speak to me. May you be glorified by the results of my obedience. Amen.
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 