Water in the Desert

Engage

Picture Stories (Guess!)

The whale that swallowed and released a kayaker off Chile (2023)

The guy in Florida who caught a massive python wrestling it bare-handed

Massive Chinese spy balloon over the US (2023)

A picture of the giant rubber duck that's toured world harbors

Educate

Acts 8:27–28 NKJV

27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.

Meet the Ethiopian Eunuch

A eunuch was a man who was not able to be a father. These men were typically servants and were not allowed to worship in the Temple in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 23:1).

The picture the Bible paints of this man is quite interesting. Although he was a eunuch, he was very influential. He was the treasurer of the entire nation of Ethiopia, and he had influence with the queen of the country. Though he had authority above and beyond his status, he was still searching for God. That longing led him to purchase a copy of the scroll of Isaiah.

Because of the longing of his heart, God sent a preacher to the Ethiopian. Philip certainly could have been helpful in discipling all those new converts in Samaria, but God called him away to minister to one man. What a testimony to the miracle of salvation!

Even though the eunuch was not allowed to enter the Temple in Jerusalem, God sent Philip to minister to the eunuch in the desert.

When it’s hot outside, it’s just miserable. It is hard to focus on anything other than how hot we are. Yet, that is the scene where our story took place. God sent Philip to meet the Ethiopian in a desert. The circumstances were not ideal, but Philip and the Ethiopian were going to endure until God moved. The Ethiopian was hungry to know more about God. He may not have voiced it out loud, but he did not need to.

When Philip found him, he was studying the Scriptures, trying to understand them. It is easy to talk about being hungry for God, but there are some obvious signs when someone is truly hungry to know Him more.

What are some signs of people who are spiritually hungry?

Hungry people do not have to be pressured to pray. They do not have to be prompted to attend church or read the Bible. No one has to beg them to talk about the things of God. They do all these things on their own because they want to be filled with all God has for them.

Everything in our lives does not have to be flawless for God to show up. He is not waiting for the perfect time or perfect place to meet with us. God’s salvation is everywhere. He can save someone in the desert just as easily as He can save someone in the city. In fact, God makes every effort to seek and save those who are lost.

Since God’s salvation is everywhere, that means He is where we are right now. We do not need to leave this place and this moment to find Jesus; He is ready to save each of us right here.

Acts 8:30–32 NKJV

30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

Acts 8:33–34 NKJV

33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”

Do You Understand?

So the Ethiopian was reading the Word of God, but he couldn’t understand it. He needed a preacher.

Philip was likely excited when he heard the Scriptures he was trying to read, because he knew the answers!

So when we encounter things in the Bible that we don’t understand, it’s a good idea to find someone who can guide us.

A minister at our church

Youth Pastor

Sunday School teacher

Parent

Elder

Someone a little further along in their walk with God that we are

We never outgrow needing a preacher!

Acts 8:35–37 NKJV

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Acts 8:38–39 NLT

38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.

Preaching Jesus

While the Bible simply states that Philip “preached unto him Jesus,” we can conclude from other passages in Acts that Philip spoke about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and that the Ethiopian’s response should be repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the Holy Ghost. The word for “preached” is the same word we use for gospel. Philip gospeled Jesus to him!

When the Ethiopian heard the gospel, he immediately understood what he needed to do. It may have seemed like they just happened to find a body of water, but we know Jesus orchestrated the entire event. The presence of water in the middle of the desert symbolized the miracle of salvation that was about to occur in the Ethiopian’s heart.

Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and repents of their sins can be baptized in Jesus’ name.

If you have been baptized in Jesus’ name, you know what a powerful experience it is.

If you have not yet taken that step, it is important to recognize the need to be obedient and be baptized. Talk with your parents and pastor for their blessing to be baptized. We must believe in and desire the miracle of salvation. If you have not experienced that miracle yet, you can experience it right now.

Equip

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch shows that God’s love is not limited by location, status, past mistakes, or any other boundary. Salvation is not reserved for a select few. Instead, it’s an open invitation to all who are hungry for God. Just as Philip was sent to the desert to meet one searching soul, God meets each of us wherever we are—no matter the circumstances, and no matter how alone or excluded we may feel.

Here’s some things you need to move into to truly reach people:

Embrace God’s invitation for yourself. If you have ever felt left out, unworthy, or uncertain about your place in God, remember that God’s invitation is for you. You do not need to wait for perfect circumstances. God sees you, loves you, and wants you to experience the miracle of salvation right where you are. Take time to pray, seek God, and ask for His Spirit to fill you. He is ready to meet you today.

Extend inclusion to others. Just as Philip responded to God’s prompting and reached out to the Ethiopian, we are called to include others—especially those who feel alone, excluded, or different. At school, work, or in your community, look for opportunities to invite others into friendship, or conversation. A simple act of kindness, a welcoming word, or an offer to sit together can change someone’s sense of belonging and open the door to God’s love.

Listen for God’s guidance. Philip was sensitive to God’s leading, willing to leave the revival in Samaria to minister to one man in the desert. In your everyday life, be open to God’s promptings. Whether it’s reaching out to someone in need, sharing your faith, or offering help, trust that God places people in your path for a purpose. Pray for the courage and willingness to step out of your comfort zone and be used by God.

Foster unity and break down barriers. The early church thrived because of their unity and willingness to work together. In a world that often divides people by labels and categories, strive for unity with others. Include people regardless of their background, reputation, or past. Welcome others into your circle, your church, and your life. By breaking down barriers, you help others experience God’s grace and build a community that reflects His love.

Seek guidance and offer it. The Ethiopian needed Philip to help him understand the Scriptures. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from those who are further along in their walk with God—parents, pastors, teachers, or friends. And be ready to offer guidance, encouragement, and support to others who are searching. We never outgrow the need for spiritual mentors or the opportunity to mentor others.

God’s love and the miracle of salvation are for everyone. Carry inclusion, unity, and kindness with you daily. Be bold to accept God’s invitation and brave enough to extend it to others. God works through us when we listen, care, and include. Let’s make it our mission to help everyone, everywhere, experience the miracle of salvation.

Announcements

Student-led Service

HYC