Friday, July 28, 2006

Sensitive Hearts, Total Strangers & Revival

There is a remarkable account in the Book of Acts where a man named Philip witnesses to a total stranger from another country and graciously guides the man to faith in Jesus! The story is set in Samaria and begins with what our culture would call revival.

There was great enthusiasm among the believers. Christians were proclaiming Christ from village to village. The mood was enthusiastic and contagious. Acts 8:25 brings us into the scene: And so, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the Word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the Gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Suddenly God steps in and does something completely unexpected and out-of-the-blue. He sends an angel to redirect this man named Philip: But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” And he arose and went…. (Acts 8:26-27)

Now…without thinking in terms of a dictionary, define revival. Are you thinking in terms of thrilling and exciting or are you thinking more along the lines of sensitivity and quite anticipation? Revival is both. But without the sensitivity to and anticipation of God’s direction, how would we know what His direction is!? His work would never be accomplished!

When we’re sensitive to God’s directing it naturally follows that we will be available for whatever He calls us to do. So what did Philip do? …he arose and went. Look what happened next: …and behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure…. He was sitting in his chariot reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip “Go and join this chariot.”

What a choice opportunity! Imagine being directed by an angel to a desert road – away from the rousing environment of a revival where you just happen to encounter a political leader from another country! The Secretary of the Treasury no less! And he’s reading Scripture! Now in today’s world, if you were to encounter someone reading their Bible, what would you do? Would you reflect quietly, “That person’s a Christian. That’s very special,” and continue on your way? Or would you sit down and initiate a conversation? Sadly, I think most of us would opt to continue on our way.

Philip opted instead to talk to the stranger. And Philip initiated the conversation. And the eunuch answered Philip and said “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this?” (Talk about an open door for witnessing!!) The government official had confessed his ignorance and he warmly accepted any teaching Philip could offer so Philip opened his mouth and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus unto him. (Acts 8:35)

Wow! When was the last time you witnessed to a complete stranger? When was the last time you were sensitive enough to hear and discern God’s direction to witness at all!? We do live in a superficial and fast-paced society. And we tend to think of revival in terms of old-fashion tent meetings and people on their knees pleading with God to do something. Here’s an assignment for you: Pray that you might be sensitive to at least one opportunity to witness and share Jesus this week. Revival begins with anticipation and a sensitive heart.
– Pastor Mark

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