17th October 2024

Acceptance

. . . See, here is water.

What hinders me from being baptised ? ” 

Acts 8:36

Everyone wants to be accepted. An Ethiopian eunuch was amazed by his acceptance. As a gentile and as a eunuch, he was denied entrance into the temple’s inner courts (see Deuteronomy 23:1). Yet he yearned to be included. Philip found him returning from another unsatisfying pilgrimage to Jerusalem (Acts 8:27).

The Ethiopian man was reading Isaiah, which promised that eunuchs who “hold fast to my covenant” will receive “within my temple and its walls a memorial and . . . an everlasting name” (Isaiah 56:4-5) How could this be? Then Philip “Preached unto him, Jesus,” and the man responded, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptised?” (Acts 8:35-36).

The Ethiopian was really asking, Am I really allowed in? Do I belong? Philip baptised him as a sign that Jesus had removed every barrier (Ephesians 2:14). Jesus Christ embraces—and unites—everyone who turns from sin and puts their trust in Him. The Ethiopian eunuch, having be baptised “went on his way rejoicing” (v 39). He finally and fully belonged.

Bible Reading

Acts 8:29-29.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I belong with God and His family because I belong to You. In Your name. Amen.