How great would it be to be Phillip? He was one of seven deacons to serve the first church in Jerusalem. In Acts 8 an angel visits him and tells him to start walking the rugged road south of Jerusalem. Phillip catches up to, or gets passed by, an opulent entourage for a high-ranking North African accountant. The guy managed the kingdom’s money. He had just worshiped in the Court of the Gentiles, he’s heading home, he has a rare copy of the writings of the prophet Isaiah, and is sitting in his chariot reading but not comprehending.
The Holy Spirit tells Phillip to get over there. Philip runs through the royal personnel and the military guard, climbs up into the chariot, plops down and teaches the power broker the meaning of the messianic prophecy he is reading. He explains that Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of all those sheep being slaughtered in the temple. The official is stunned, and receptive. He keeps going south toward home but the whole direction of his life is changing.
I have a friend who is a recovering alcoholic. He alternated daily between a full bottle of vodka and a full bottle of whiskey. One day on his drive to the liquor store an acquaintance called and their conversation changed the very direction of his life. He recalls what is now my favorite description of salvation, “Jesus reached down, grabbed me by the collar, and said, “You’re coming with me!” The direction of his life changed.
Acts 8:36-39 describes every deacon’s dream. The parade passes a small body of water and the official dramatically asks Philip to baptize him in that puddle. Of course Philip does and then gets whisked away by the Holy Spirit. What a day! The “Ethiopian Eunuch” continues toward his homeland but now he is rejoicing! (Acts 8:39). He stays on his route but in a brand new direction. Jesus said, “You’re coming with me.”