Does Someone Need You?
Scripture Reading — Acts 8:26-35
“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?”
Commenting on this Bible passage, a preacher noted that almost every day there's someone, somewhere, who may need us. It could be someone who's struggling with an addiction or who suffers from depression. It could be someone who's trying to make sense of life or a person who's trying to find their way to the Lord. It could be someone who doesn't understand the teachings of the Bible. That preacher challenged us to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to tune in to the needs of the people around us.
It happened to an evangelist named Philip. He had been teaching about the Lord Jesus in Samaria when an angel of the Lord told him to leave there and go into the desert. Philip did as he was told, and because he listened to the Spirit's prompting, he was able to explain the suffering and death of Jesus predicted by the prophet Isaiah. Because of that encounter a government official from Ethiopia went home rejoicing, able to share the good news with others.
Perhaps today you'll meet someone who needs you, someone who needs to meet Jesus. It may be someone you have never met or someone you have known for a long time. Listen closely to the Spirit's prompting and follow his direction. He is eager and delighted to work through you!
Lord, help us listen to the prompting of your Spirit, and open our eyes to the needs of others around us. For Je-sus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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