Are We Equipped?

“Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30)

One thing about Philip: He was physically fit. It’s not everyone who could have caught up to that chariot—the first-century equivalent of a government limousine—as it clipped through the desert. And not everyone could have managed to jog alongside while holding a conversation with its passenger. But it’s not mainly because Philip was in good physical shape that the Ethiopian official responded to the word of God. Their encounter would have come to nothing if Philip hadn’t been scripturally fit as well.

Of course, Philip was “filled with the Spirit” (Acts 6:3) and ready to seize every opportunity to proclaim Jesus. And clearly, the Holy Spirit guided him as he did. But it’s also clear that Philip knew Scripture. He knew it so well that, having heard just a few verses read aloud, he instantly recognized the Suffering Servant prophecy (Isaiah 53:7-8). His heart must have leapt with joy because he had just seen this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. What better starting point for presenting the good news? And so, as Jesus did with the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:27), Philip opened up the meaning of God’s word and led the Ethiopian to Christ.

God wants us to be able to do what Philip did that day. In his exhortation on the word of God, Pope Benedict XVI tells us: “There is no greater priority than this: to enable the people of our time once more to encounter God, the God who speaks to us and shares his love so that we might have life in abundance” (Verbum Domini, 2). First, though, we have to apply Philip’s question to ourselves: Do I understand what I am reading? If we are not immersing ourselves in God’s word—by studying, praying, and living it—how can we expect to be joyful, winning witnesses?

So put yourself on a scriptural fitness program. Get a good study Bible, if you don’t already have one, and read it every day. Develop a plan for what you will read, and when and where. Take advantage of the books, talks, study groups, and other helps that are out there. And as you do, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and help you get scripturally fit. “Ethiopians” are waiting all around you! - WAU

“Spirit of God, open up your word to me. And help me open it up to others.”

--that in all things God may be glorified--