December 22, 2010
Truth Connections
Devotions for Parents on the Go

Go and Tell Part Two: Explain the Scripture
Background Passages: Acts 8:1-40
Today's Focal Passage:

30 When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you're reading?"
31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone guides me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:
He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before its shearer, so He does not open His mouth. 33 In His humiliation justice was denied Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.
34 The eunuch replied to Philip, "I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about-himself or another person?" 35 So Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture.

Acts 8:30-35, HCSB
Step by Step

   Christmas is always a fun time with little ones. They get so excited about gift giving and surprises. Making a Christmas list and looking at toys in stores is a favorite pastime for my family leading up to the holidays. As parents, we shop for just the right toys, making sure our kids get at least most of the things they want.
 
 Then the real fun happens- putting together the toys on Christmas Eve. Toys today are just not what they used to be, and the packaging is certainly not. Whatever happened to being able to open the box and pull out the toy to play with it? Most toys are so anchored to the box, it takes what seems like hours just to get them out of the box. Then, you have detailed instructions that are usually in about three languages. I remember one Christmas Eve staying up in the wee hours of the morning working and then I was not physically able to enjoy the surprise because I was exhausted.
 
 We should be thankful for these detailed instructions. Without them, we would be in a real mess. Perhaps some of you reading this know first-hand what I am talking about. Sometimes, skipping the directions and doing it our way seems best but usually this ends in disaster. Having step-by-step instructions save time in the long run and ensure our kids can enjoy their new toys.
 
 Likewise, having a step-by-step plan to tell others about Jesus is a must. Just take a look at the Scripture for today. Philip was prepared and ready to share. He was not caught off guard. And, his time with the man was planned. He was ready and, it proved fruitful because the man walked away with a new life, never to be the same. So, be ready, prepared and planned so when the Holy Spirit brings someone your way, you can do your part. 
Kyle Cravens
Digging Deeper: Ethiopia (v. 27)

The eunuch's place of origin should not be confused with modern-day Ethiopia. In Old Testament times, Ethiopia was the kingdom of Cush. The high-ranking official in our story hailed from modern-day Nubia on the Nile River-a region of southern Egypt and northern Sudan. It was ruled by a queen mother with the title "Candace." Candace was not her proper name, but an official title given to the mother of a son thought too holy and pure to take on the mundane role of leading a secular nation due to the belief he was the child of the sun.