“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?” [37] [c]38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 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. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.” Acts 8.36-40
The eunuch and Philip had a divine appointment. Both were placed right where they needed to be by God. Both were blessed. The eunuch was saved, baptized, and instantly initiated into the family of faith. He became an instant evangelist for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And Philip continued his proclamation of the word by being sent to Azotus and on to Caesarea.
This is what happens to the baptized. To those who are sealed by the blood of the Lamb. The end result of the believer is inviting others into a saving relationship with God and enjoying that relationship for themselves. Those who are saved continue the joys of bringing God’s word to others. They are not called to be lethargically lazy. Self satisfaction is not our end goal. We are called and compelled to proclaim the gospel. To bring others to faith, to help people find life in Christ.
And this is exactly what happened with our two examples. One, Philip, already an apostle of the Lord, had been won over by Jesus and now was doing exactly what Jesus had called him to do. And the eunuch, an unexpecting but receptive participant in the call of Christ. Both received and then were send forth, in different stages of call, to tell of the wonderful deeds of the Lord.
Is it any different for us? When I met Christ I initially began to soak up his Word and Spirit into my life. Through years of training, obedience and call, Christ has empowered me to be his hands and feet. From leading youth in a local church in Somerset, KY, to training pastors in a seminary in Waco, TX, I find it a joy to advance the Kingdom by saving souls and discipling men and women for the Kingdom.
Not everyone has the same call, but we must hear, discern and decide what His is upon our lives. For one, the call might be a homemaker, raising children up in the ways of the Lord. For another, it might be a banker, called to manage the money of God’s people so that they might spend wisely and invest in the Kingdom. And still for another, it might be a teenager called to promote Jesus in school and so win others to the cause of Christ.
The mark of baptism is a changed life. When we receive Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to us, we find our purpose and we respond in obedience.
How is Christ calling you? What is the next assignment for your work in the Kingdom this day?
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your call upon my life. I know that you are a good and faithful God. Even when my love fails, when the darkness creeps in, you save me. You rescue me from the pit and put my feet upon a firm ground. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me find my way in you. Help me hear you voice and walk in truth. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen