Fifth Sunday of Easter - Unwaivering guidance

Acts 8:26-40, a story brimming with divine providence, prophetic proclamation, precious baptism, and parting blessings. It is a tale of faith ignited, a tale of transformation, and a tale of God’s unwavering guidance in our lives.

Let us begin our exploration with the first point:

Prompted by Providence.

Acts 8:26–27 “ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,”

Philip, one of the early church's evangelists, is prompted by an angel of the Lord to go south on the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Here, God orchestrates a divine setup, leading Philip to encounter an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under Queen Candace, who is returning from worship in Jerusalem. This isn’t mere coincidence; it’s God’s providential hand guiding Philip's steps.

Pause and consider this truth in our own lives. How often does God prompt us to step out of our routine, nudging us towards unexpected encounters or experiences? Are we attentive to His leading, or do we dismiss His whispers in the busyness of life? Let us reflect on how we can be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance, knowing that God’s plans often lie beyond our comfort zones.

Moving forward, we delve into

Proclamation of Prophecy.

Acts 8:28–35 “ and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”

Philip hears the Ethiopian eunuch reading from the prophet Isaiah and seizes the opportunity to explain the Scriptures, pointing him to Jesus. Through the Scriptures, Philip unveils the truth of Christ, fulfilling the prophecy spoken centuries before.

Consider the power of Scripture in our witness and evangelism. Do we grasp the significance of God’s Word in leading others to Jesus? Let us recognize the importance of being familiar with the Bible, equipped to share the gospel effectively when opportunities arise, just as Philip used Isaiah’s prophecy to introduce the eunuch to our Savior.

Now, let us focus on

Precious Baptism.

Acts 8:36–38 “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”

Moved by Philip’s explanation of the Scriptures, the eunuch expresses his desire to be baptized immediately upon seeing water. Here, we witness the urgency of faith, the readiness to act upon newfound truth.

Think about the significance of baptism in our Christian journey. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, a public declaration of our commitment to Christ. Do we delay our response to God’s call, or do we, like the eunuch, eagerly embrace the opportunity to be united with Jesus? Let us not hesitate but respond with joy and readiness, accepting Jesus’ invitation to be in a relationship with Him.

Lastly, let us ponder the

Parting Blessing.

Acts 8:39–40 “ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.”

After the baptism, the Spirit suddenly takes Philip away, and the eunuch goes on his way rejoicing, while Philip continues to preach in all the towns until he reaches Caesarea. Here, we witness the joy and transformation that follow obedience to God’s will.

Consider the impact of our obedience. When we follow God’s guidance, lives are transformed, and joy abounds. Let us spread the joy of our faith, just as the eunuch did, knowing that each encounter, guided by God, has the potential to bless others and expand the kingdom of God.

In conclusion, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch teaches us the power of divine appointments and the joy of embracing God’s guidance in our lives. Let us be open to His leading, ready to share the gospel, and quick to respond in faith, knowing that each step of obedience leads to greater joy and fulfillment in Christ.

May we go forth from this place, inspired by Philip’s obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and filled with a burning desire to share the love of Christ with all we encounter.

Call to Worship (based on Acts 8:26-40)

Leader: As Philip was led by the Spirit to meet the Ethiopian on a desert road, so are we gathered here by the Spirit to encounter God in worship.

People: We come open-hearted, ready to understand the scriptures and embrace the truth.

Leader: In the wilderness, the Ethiopian sought understanding of God's Word, and Philip was there to guide him.

People: Lead us, O Lord, in our understanding, and help us to embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Leader: The waters of baptism awaited the Ethiopian, marking a new beginning in faith and joy.

People: May we also find renewal and joy in God's presence as we worship today.

Leader: Let us celebrate the Spirit's work among us, guiding, teaching, and transforming us as we follow the path of Christ.

People: With thankful hearts, we gather to worship and to praise, ready to be changed and to rejoice in our journey with God.

Opening Prayer (based on John 15:1-8)

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, we come before You today drawn by Your call to abide in Your Son, the true vine. In John 15, Jesus teaches us that apart from Him we can do nothing, and so we seek to deepen our connection to Him, that we might bear fruit that glorifies You.

Lord, You are the vinedresser, caring for each branch with precision and love. We ask for Your pruning hands to work in our lives, removing whatever is barren or unfruitful. Help us to embrace this pruning, though it may be painful, trusting that it prepares us for greater growth and more abundant life in You.

We confess, Lord, that too often we try to live independently of the vine. We pursue our plans and our comforts without rooting ourselves in Your empowering grace. Forgive us, renew our spirits, and draw us closer to Your nourishing presence.

As branches of the one true vine, let Your life flow through us, bringing vitality and strength. Teach us to abide not just superficially, but deeply—rooted in Your Word, sustained by prayer, and nurtured by the fellowship of the church.

May our lives be so intertwined with Christ that we bear much fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let these fruits be evident to all, that they may see Your work in us and give glory to You.

As we continue in worship, cultivate in us a joyful obedience and a heart that remains in Jesus. Guide us by Your Spirit, that in everything we do, we might bear witness to the truth of the vine and branches, dependent on You and fruitful in all things.

In the name of Jesus, our source and sustainer, we pray. Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us and the Holy Spirit that prompts us to follow Your divine paths. Just as Philip was led to a moment of transformation for the Ethiopian eunuch, guide us in our daily lives to recognize and seize the opportunities You place before us to share Your love and truth.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to understand the scriptures deeply and the boldness to proclaim Your Word clearly and effectively. May we be ready, like Philip, to respond immediately to Your call, knowing that each encounter is an opportunity to extend Your kingdom.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.