The Heaton File

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms & Wisdom Literature

Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die): remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches — feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9)

Two Things For A New Year

The simple things in life often are the clearest to define. Agur, the son of Jakeh, wanted two things in life. He wanted truth to be his banner in all things and he wanted life to be void of covetousness and greed. These two character flaws describe more of a man’s life than most things. Honest and integrity. Simple things to seek – harder to achieve. As an old year passes and a new day begins these are two things we should strive to embed in our lives. The blessings will be immeasurable.

Resolve to be honest to yourself, to your fellow man and to God. Honesty is the character of integrity. There was a time when the simple word of man was all that was needed for security. Trusting the character of a neighbor was established by a handshake. People of character are people who are known by the bond of their word. Being honest with oneself is a purpose driven heart seeking to speak the truth in every part of life. This begins by having an honest heart. A pure heart speaks truth. Removing falsehood and lies far from us comes about by harvesting a heart of truthfulness. Speak the truth. Live the truth.

Contentment is hard when the world is filled with so much material wealth. As a blessed nation the curse of covetousness fills the minds of young and old. Name brands, tech toys, the newest gadget – stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Riches abound as no other time. Children must have the latest and newest. Agur wants neither riches or poverty. He knows the dangers of both. Dearth can cause a heart of envy and wealth can fill a heart with pride. Agur just wants the needs of life and no more. Poverty and riches can take the heart away from the Lord.

Two things to help in the new year when we view life as Agur. His purpose in life was to glorify God. Pray for this coming year to be filled with the presence of the Lord. Remove covetousness and be content with what the year brings. Live for God.

Contentment consisteth not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire; not in multiplying of wealth, but in subtracting men’s desires. (Thomas Fuller, The Holy State, 1642)

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

For His Glory

There is one maxim of which no Christian must lose sight. Everything we do – all our words – where we go – how we dress – our manner of behavior on the job – our role as a husband or wife, father or mother – the example we live in the community – our lives should be for the glory of God alone. Nothing is more important than the reason we pattern our character after the character of God. With an old year passing away and a new year coming we look for ways to measure our resolve to make the change of year to be productive. Nothing is more important that doing what we do to the glory of God. If you want to advance in your profession model your life after the word of God. Learning to be a better husband or wife should come from a meditation of the principles outlined by the one who established the home. Parents struggle with the training of children but will find the necessary answers in the Bible.

We must never forget the reason the Lord gave us the Bible. It is a guide to help us in our character building. From the beginning of time He has always desired for man to trust Him and love Him enough to live for His glory alone. When man seeks his own glory disaster awaits. Lives have been ruined and lost because the glory has been misplaced. Doing all things for the glory of God is a simple idea that life is built upon the need to ask, “What does God think of this?” Choosing an occupation should come from prayer asking how it will give glory to the Lord. Deciding to marry is not based on a physical appeal alone but a spiritual union with God to show glory in our marriage. Learning to curb my anger is learning to live with the glory of righteousness. Removing the temptation of sin through what I find on the internet or see on television is filling the mind with the glory of God.

The personality of the child of God is the character of holiness. His glory is revealed in me by who I am and what I am. What the world needs to see is Him living in my life by the way I dress, the manner of speech and my attitude. As I begin this day I begin with the promise that today I will live in such a way that God will be glorified. When the new year dawns I will resolve to form my life into the image of Jesus Christ so that my life will be for the glory of the Father. One day when this mortal clay is returned to the dust from whence it came then will the glory of God will be revealed in the resurrection of eternal life. And that will be some kind of glory. Got plans for the day? Live for the glory of God.

For every civilization or every period in history it is true today: show me what kind of God you have and I will tell you what kind of humanity you possess. (Emil Brunner, Man in Revolt, 1939)

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. (Luke 5:1-11)

Fishing

There was a tremendous spirit of interest in the teaching of Jesus by the people. Imagine so many people pressing against the Lord to hear His words it required Him getting into a boat to push off from land just to allow everyone to hear Him. Eager eyes watching Jesus as he taught as they enthusiastically listened to His message. Off to the side Peter, James and John were washing their nets. They had to be astonished by the size of the crowd as they listened to Jesus talk. When it was all finished the Lord told Peter to take his boat and catch some fish. Having no success the night before the reluctant fishermen set out to the deep and cast their nets. To their shock the nets filled with so many fish they had to call for help. When they pulled all the fish into their boats the weight of the fish nearly sank them. Peter’s eyes grew large as he had never seen such a miracle. He knew he was in the presence of something very special.

Fishing for a living is a hard and arduous task. There are many nights like the night before when hours are spent setting nets and no reward. Sometimes there is a good catch on a good day. But there was never a day like the day they went fishing with the Lord. This changed the lives of Peter, James and John. They knew they had seen the power of God and they knew there was more to life than catching fish. Immediately they followed Jesus to become fishers of men.

Miracles ceased a long time ago. The miracle catch of fish will not happen today but the power of the word of Jesus still works in the lives of men. Men have toiled a lifetime seeking answers in the night of man’s wisdom. Working diligently they have come up empty. When the Lord comes along and shows men the way the blessings are abundant. So many blessings they are overflowing. Only the Lord can bring that kind of power into our lives. When we recognize the power of God in our lives we are more willing to forsake the trappings of this world for the eternal blessings of the Lord. Forsaking all shows the pattern of sacrifice to seek the Lord in every way. The early disciples walked away from their life work to begin a new work of fishing for men. We are not called on to leave our jobs but we are called on to sacrifice our lives to bring men to Christ. What greater blessing can there be to help someone come to Christ?

As this New Year filled with plans and purpose dawns let us resolve to forsake the priorities of this life and put the Lord back in first place. It is easy to move God down a few notches in life. We get so busy fishing in life we forget to focus on the Lord. Seek the kingdom of God first in life once again and remember the purpose to which we are called. Fishers of men don’t just talk about fishing – they go fishing for men. This requires sacrifice. He gave so much – we can give our love to Him by helping others know the wonder working power of salvation. Let’s go fishing.

The first demand which is made of those who belong to God’s church is … that they shall be witnesses of Jesus Christ before the world. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ethics, 1955)

Sunday Morning Starters – Our Father In Heaven

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

He Needs To Be In All Beginnings

With a new year approaching plans are being made for resolutions that will make the coming year a greater year than before. Losing weight is always a focus soon lost after a few weeks or months. Promises to work harder, changes in character, resolve to be a different person, purposes refocused; a myriad of things that excite the mind in the beginning. For many these plans will come true and each year will bring greater reward. Lost in the shuffle of New Year resolutions is the foundation for every plan we should make. Where is the Heavenly Father? Without Him being at the beginning of every decision there can be little hope of success that is worth measuring.

The Bible tells us that God was in the beginning and formed everything in the beginning. This was the original New Year. Everything began by the hand of the Creator and they continue to this day because of this same power. He spoke the world into existence and by His word the world remains in constant form today. His beginning power is still evident when we behold the universe. The sun, moon and stars that we see today are the same sun, moon and stars that Adam saw. So did Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah and Jesus when he walked among men. The beginning of God in this world shouts forth every day.

As the New Year begins to unfold we should take stock of the presence of God in the world. Seeing His great power we should then begin each new resolution with the name of the Father. Making decisions to change our lives can only be accomplished if they are for the glory of God. How many resolutions pertain to our spiritual body? Do you want to be a better husband or father? Begin with God. If you have made plans to be a better wife or mother the Heavenly Father must be at the headwaters of those decisions. Our jobs are important and what better place to show forth Christ living in our lives. As you make those plans for excelling in your profession do so with the Lord at the beginning of those choices. What can you do that will bring greater glory to God? If you are to be married in the coming year make those plans with God in mind. Remain pure to serve the Lord in your marriage as one with Him. As parents let us resolve to spend more time sharing the story of God to our children and grandchildren. Let this coming year be the year we devote our time to the service of the church of our Lord. Be more involved in the work of the local congregation. Put God first in your dedication to the cause of His Son.

‘In the beginning’ is a great theme for the coming year to let God the Father be at the beginning of everything we do. Make a resolution to begin each day with the word of God in your heart and the word of prayer on your hands. Rise up a little earlier if you have to but begin each day with God. It will make the day so much richer. When you begin the day with God your day will be more fruitful and more blessed. He will honor your life with His presence. What a beginning that will be.

We can part with every other good. We can endure the darkening of life’s fairest prospects. But this bright, consoling doctrine of one God, even the Father, is dearer than life, and we cannot let it go. (William Ellery Channing; 1780-1842, Works)

Saturday Morning Promises – Great Stories

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:17-21)

The Final Story

Today marks the final Saturday in the year 2015. Our focus this year has been telling great stories of courage, faith and endurance. The Bible is a book of stories revealing the character of men as they seek the Lord. It begins in glory with Adam and Eve in the paradise of Eden but soon Satan destroys the world with sin. Throughout the Old Testament the Lord shows His mercy and grace to unrepentant man. As the New Testament opens the Light of the world appears to being hope to all the earth. The apex of the Bible story is found in the empty tomb outside Jerusalem. It was at this place Jesus Christ raised from the dead following His sacrifice of love to redeem all men. Salvation through the blood of God’s Son redeems the curse of sin. For two thousand years men have heralded the gospel. It is only in the mind of the Father how long the universe will continue but it is on borrowed time. Today as we begin to close another year we draw closer to the coming of Jesus Christ.

The Revelation is a splendid book of courage, faith and endurance. Inscribed upon its pages is the courage of the early saints as they stood against the foes of God. Persecution came from the religious world, the powers of government and the unrelenting temptation of the flesh. Faith ruled in the hearts of the faithful as they endured great hardships. They cried out often “How long, O Lord, Holy and True” and the Lord never forgot them. Death took their bodies but never their spirit. Persecuted to the ends of the earth they died in faith see a city beyond built by the Living God. As the final scenes of Revelation are weaved into the tapestry of God’s Revelation the King of King and Lord of Lord emerges victorious in the final battle with Satan. Victory. Victory. Victory. It is complete. It is final. It is amazing.

This is the final story for man. Everything that precedes the Revelation shows the struggle. John’s final book opens the gates of Heaven to reveal the paradise lost in Genesis is found intact in Revelation. The joy of walking with God in the Garden of Eden is restored in the final pictures of the Revelation. When man was expelled from the garden it seemed hopeless. In the final story hope is renewed beyond man’s imagination. What a city. What a place. What glory we will share in the heavenly city.

The invitation of Jesus is given in the final chapter. From the beginning man has had a choice. He is given a choice once again. The tree of life is offered through the blood of Jesus Christ. What is contained within the Revelation is true for the whole of God’s word. The story is completed. Nothing should be added and nothing should be taken away. All we need to know for salvation is found in the Bible. The Lord is coming back. His coming will be soon. For all those who read the Bible and feel the love of God throughout the travails of man’s struggle with sin finding hope in Jesus Christ and victory over death – will say with ease – Lord come quickly. Yes – living with the Bible in the heart death is only a transition from this world to eternal life. Knowing the power of God’s love will help us live each day with the greatest story ever told – Lord come today; come now; come soon. Now that is a great story. Amen.

The Old Testament together with the New Testament enables us to see that the events related in the New Testament are events which are inseparably connected with that original event recorded in Genesis 1-3 which concerned humanity as a whole. (Gustave Wingren, Theology in Conflict, 1958)

Friday Morning Reflections – Wisdom Literature

This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me: there was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. Then I said: “Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:13-18)

A Little City With A Little Man

The age of superheroes is not new. Goliath was a massive killing machine that brought men to their knees by his size and power. Facing a ruddy youth one day with five smooth stones the champion of the Philistines was felled in one stroke. Wisdom, faith and courage destroyed the might of the enemy. Solomon examines the plight of a small city that is overwhelmed by the forces of a great king. There is no hope against such an opposing force of strength, might and power. What could a small city do against such odds? There was no hope. Defeat was certain. But then from the unknown quarters of the poor comes a man who has no great army to offer or physical might to champion the cause. His only offerings are words of wisdom. Seemingly with nothing to lose the city follows the advice of the poor man finding deliverance as the mighty king retreats in defeat. Because he is a poor man no rewards are given and he is once again forgotten. The city gives no honor to a poor man.

Life is not so different in our world today. Great men of finance rise to become stallions of commerce. Athletes are heralded for their physical prowess. Actors and movie stars are worshipped as gods. The world wants their heroes to look the part and be the part. Common men of simple wisdom are seldom heard. Commonsense is a commodity seldom embraced. Learning and wisdom are despised. The desires of the flesh drive the libidos of man to crave the foolish pursuits of pleasure. This pattern is repeated in every generation. Wisdom is belittled as the word of God is thrown aside for the dogmas of man’s earthly desires.

The Bible has remained unchanged since the first documenting of its wisdom on animal skins. Through the ages the Lord has shown His will to men in written form as we now have revealed in the book called the Bible. Sixty-six books within a book making a pattern of complete wisdom greater than any man could ever write. It should be called “The Book of Wisdom” because it reveals the mind of God to man. Nothing compares to the depths of its message. All that man can do will never change the word of God. Like the poor man in the small city it is seldom considered. Remarkably in times of great crisis men turn to the Bible for help. Did you notice after 9-11 the resurgence of those seeking comfort in the Bible? Those days quickly faded into history and the world has regained its footing in pleasure.

Solomon declared long ago the measure of greatness is not found in the strength of men but the word of God. Within the church of the Lord saints rise in wisdom to live complete lives of happiness and security as they follow the teaching of the Creator. There can be no greater wisdom than what is contained within the pages of the Bible. One man with the word of God is a majority. It matters not whether he is of any stature in the world of men. One man with the word of God will have greater power over life than any pitiful attempt by a thousand mighty men. A little city with a little man. Be that man.

When God lights the soul with wisdom, it floods the faculties, and that man knows more than ever could be taught him. (Meister Eckhart; 1260-1328)

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – Epistles of Paul

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Walking And Talking

The Christian is a walking billboard of the testimony of Jesus Christ. It takes great care to present a proper example of faith. Living in a glass house of righteousness the world will scrutinize the character and conduct of those who profess allegiance to Jesus Christ. It takes wisdom to live in a world filled with temptation. This wisdom must come for God. Faith grows from the word of the Lord dwelling in the heart and seen in the actions of a life dedicated to a holy calling. The world can be callous against the Christian. Calls of hypocrisy can destroy the effectiveness of a Christian example. The child of God must understand the influence of their life impacts others. If the language of the world is on the lips of the Christian the world will take notice. When a Christian dresses in the immodest fashion of the world the nonbeliever will not see Christ. It matters what kind of interest the Christian has because the world is watching. What they see is what they believe the person to be. For the child of God wisdom must be used to show forth Christ in every way.

Redeeming the time is important because the only impression some will have of God is seen in the life of the Christian. First impressions must always be of the Lord. There can easily be someone impacted for good because of a single life, a single deed or a single act. Walking in wisdom is seeking to always (emphasis on always) present a model of godliness in life so that others can see our good works and glorify God. Time is of the essence because there is so little of it. The time we spend at work is a valuable tool to use impressing on the hearts of coworkers the faith of Christ. Our family life is time sensitive to embed on the hearts of the children the love of God.

Walking the walk of faith will be of little value if the talking is not the talk of faith. Our speech betrays us. The speech patterns can determine whether a person comes from the northeast, south or a foreign country. We know immediately if a man is from Australia because of his dialect. This is so important in the speech pattern of the Christian. People know whether we are truly a servant of Christ or not because of the walk we talk. Using vulgar language does not reflect Jesus. Gossip does not glorify God. Murmuring grieves the Holy Spirit. Rather the daily language of the child of God is seasoned with the wisdom of God’s word teaching love, patience, understand and kindness. In this manner the walk of the Christian is in harmony with the talk of the Christian. Walk the walk and talk the talk – as long as the walking and the talking is in Jesus Christ!

I have read of a parade of boys in which everyone was in step except one youngster. It was discovered that under his coat he carried a transistor radio, and was marching to other music from a thousand miles away. The Christian is in step with the drumbeats of another world. (Vance Havner, 1901-1986)

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” let Israel now say, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (A Song of Ascents. Of David. Psalm 124)

The Lord Is On Our Side

David was keenly aware of the power of God in his life. Standing before the giant Goliath his trust was in the power of the Lord to destroy the one who challenged all Israel. In battle the shepherd king knew the comfort of the One who would help him defeat his enemies. When Nathan the prophet came to David and revealed the sin with Bathsheba David knew the Lord would still envelop him with His grace and mercy. David knew he never walked alone. God was always by his side. Throughout scripture the people of God lived every day with the presence of God in their lives. For many it was a real experience as God would speak to them directly. The early disciples felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of spreading the gospel. It should never be concluded that since God no longer speaks directly to man or the Holy Spirit works miracles that we are forgotten and left alone. The Lord still works in our lives. He still overshadows us with His presence.

The psalm of David is a wonderful message for the children of God today. Our Lord will help us protecting us from those things that will overwhelm others. The devil is still active in his desire to destroy us but we have the Lord as our defender. It matters not if men will abuse us with ridicule for believing in God. Our society is becoming more ungodly but we still have a promise of His abiding presence to overshadow our lives with His protection. Faith in Christ is being watered down to insignificance. The Bible is viewed as a book of myths. Yet the Lord has not forsaken us. He still rules in the affairs of men. His power rules the universe. The Lord is on our side!

Disease can cripple us. It can bring our spirits low with despair. Tragedies of life will wear thin our resolve as we are overwhelmed with sorrow. These affairs overwhelm those who do not have the Lord on their side but we are the people of God. He stands with us reassuring our hearts that this world is only temporary and greater joy resides in the presence of a heavenly peace. We look to a city whose builder and maker is God. We know the Lord is on OUR side and we will overcome. Faith is established. Trust in His will guides our lives each day.

This year is almost gone. Look back over the last twelve months and see how often there is one set of footprints. Those prints are not ours. That is when He carried us and protected us. Our help is in the name of the Lord today. He will be there tomorrow. Rejoice the Lord is on our side.

A firm persuasion of the superintendence of providence over all our concerns is absolutely necessary to our happiness. (William Cowper, Letter to Lady Hesketh, 1765)

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

HELL IS

In the beginning God created the world by His mighty power forming every living and nonliving thing. Belief in this fact is paramount to life. Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. That is a fact that must be accepted in order to be saved. The Bible is the only revealed word of God rejecting all other tenets as false and created by man. There is a place called Heaven where eternal peace is granted to those who believe in the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Father who proclaims His Son as the Savior of the world. Truth is narrow. Rejection of truth does not change truth. There is one God, one Lord and one faith.

There is a harsh reality when all of the above is believed. Believing in one God, one Lord and one faith also declares the certainty of punishment. Jesus never minced words when He described the punishment of the disobedient. The Lord used words like “everlasting fire,” “everlasting punishment,” and “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” John in the Revelation brings his message to a close with the summation of final judgment. Sin will be punished. The political correctness of man will be absent in eternity for God will be the Judge, not man.

HELL is real. It is a place described as a lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The imagery is so frightening for a purpose. It is like being in a lake filled with volcanic lava. Unlike the tragedy of dying instantly if a person falls into a lava flow this place of torment is where the pain will continue in eternity. It will never stop hurting. There will never be a respite from its flames. The screams of horror will be eternal. This second death is without end. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus it was the rich man who anguished in the flame desiring only the tip of the finger of water. None was granted. In HELL there are tears in every eye, eternal death, eternal sorrow and eternal pain.

The severity of God is just as real as His goodness. The Lord will punish those who do not fear Him. If a person does not believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God they will be case into HELL. Every wicked person will be sent to HELL. Those who murder will be cast into HELL. If you believe that sex is okay whenever and with whomever you will go to HELL. Those who fill their minds with pornography will fill their minds in a HELLISH darkness. The practitioners of worldly worship will be in HELL with their father the devil. Everyone who thought lying was acceptable will realize the biggest lie was that HELL was not real.

Those who do His commandments will be blessed with eternal life as they partake of the tree of life. It will be a beautiful place to dwell with the Lord God Almighty. But just as real as eternal life there is eternal death. HELL is real. Do not find out first hand. You will wish you followed the will of God.

Hell could not be Hell without the despair of accursed souls; for any hope were a refreshment, and a drop of water, which would help to allay, those flames, which as they burn intolerably, so they must burn forever. (Jeremy Taylor, Twenty-Seven Sermons, 1651)

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 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?” 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.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:35-39)

Preaching Jesus

He had traveled a great distance to worship in Jerusalem. As a devout follower of Jehovah God the man from Ethiopia was diligently reading the prophet Isaiah. The events of the past few weeks must have filled his mind as he began the long journey home. Finding comfort in reading the scroll of Isaiah the eunuch was searching for what the prophet wrote. Looking from above the Lord sent an angel to the evangelist Philip instructing him to join the Ethiopian. Inquiring the meaning of the text the eunuch bid Philip explain the significance of the prophet’s words. Beginning where he was reading Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch.

What a remarkable story that must have been. Isaiah 53 was where it all began. Philip weaved the message of redemption throughout the ancient scrip of God’s word telling the story of the coming Messiah. Opening the eyes of the eunuch to the coming of Christ the King, His teaching and message, horrible death and glorious resurrection. The story of Jesus was told to a man with an honest heart. Somewhere in the story of Jesus Philip did what all early disciples were commanded to do. He showed the Ethiopian that Jesus died, was buried and arose from the grave. As Paul would later describe to the Romans the death, burial and resurrection of Christ was a figure of the salvation found in baptism. The eunuch readily accepted this teaching.

It is important to note the eunuch asked Philip the question. He wanted to know why he could not be baptized. He understood the necessity of such an act. His heart was honest to accept the word of salvation like the three thousand who responded in the city of Jerusalem. Philip was more than eager to fulfill the faith of the Ethiopian and baptized him into water. The evangelist was taken away by the Spirit of the Lord. The man from Ethiopia took the spirit of the Lord with him to his home.

Preaching Jesus is a lot of things. One message that comes from preaching Jesus is the necessity of baptism. The eunuch heard the word of God and believed it. He recognized salvation was not yet full. Inquiring of the evangelist why he could not be baptized shows he understood the cleansing blood of Jesus was found in the water. Preaching Jesus is preaching the blood and preaching the blood is finding it in obedience waters of baptism. Obedience is seen when they go into the water and are immersed for the remission of sins. Rejoicing comes from hearts that are now saved because sins have been washed away.

Faith came by hearing the word of God. Understanding resulted from a study of the story of Jesus. Belief pricked the heart to obey the command found in the story of Jesus. Action produced a man being immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins. Salvation only came when rising from the waters of baptism joy filled the heart. Preaching the story of Jesus. That is salvation.

Life with Christ is an endless hope; life without Christ is a hopeless end. (Author Unknown)