go near, and join yourself...

There is a wonderful account in this week's Bible Lesson about Philip and a man from Ethiopia. It is in Acts, chapter 8. Jesus has left his disciples and followers and they are being hunted and persecuted in Jerusalem by Saul. Some of them scatter abroad preaching and Philip went to Samaria where he was well received and did miracles. There was great joy in that city. An angel speaks to Philip telling him to go down into Gaza which is desert. He is not the only traveler on this road. A Eunuch of great authority under Candace Queen of the Ethiopians who had charge of all her treasure had been in Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way home. He was sitting in his chariot reading Esaias the prophet. Philip gets another angel message telling him to run to him and join himself to the chariot. It must have been moving right along and he did have to run to catch up and when he hears the man reading he asks him if he understands what he is reading. Can you picture it? The man tells him he cannot understand without some guidance and he invited Philip to join him, to sit beside him. Philip is able to use this opportunity to teach him about Jesus. Eventually they come to a place where there was water and he asks Philip if he can be baptized. Once he declares that he believes that Jesus is the Son of God Philip agrees to baptize him and does so. Right after that it says that the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip that the eunuch did not see him anymore and the man goes his way rejoicing. Philip goes on to Azotus and preaches along the way until he gets to Caesarea.
The thing about this story that has me pondering it today is how Philip got that angel message of where he was to go and he immediately obeyed. Then he got further instruction to run and catch up to that chariot. Many times over the years I have gotten what I believe to be angel messages telling to go to a place or to do something. When I have obeyed that directive I have found myself coming in contact with someone who is open and receptive to hearing about Christian Science or wanting someone to explain a puzzling Bible citation. What a joy and privilege to be a part of God's plan bringing us together. I would love for that to happen on a daily basis.
This Philip was not one of the apostles but he was an evangelist, one of 7 men of good report chosen to be deacons to look after the Greek-speaking widows and others in the church in Jerusalem. He was doing good works where he was and that lead to expanding his preaching and healing to others as well.
How willing are we to 'go near, and join' ourselves to others? There is sometimes a hesitation that we will be rebuffed but if they are honest seekers for Truth it can be such a blessing. We can include all our neighbors and those we encounter each day in our willingness to share the Word of God. We have the complete support of divine Love in this work.
Be listening for angel messages.
Run when you see the opportunity.
Go near with out fear.
Join with someone to share the Gospels.
Do so in the spirit of love.