This Lent, join us for our weekly devotional series in Isaiah 52-55.
As we journey towards Easter, discover the wonder of Jesus as promised in Isaiah more than 700 years before Jesus’ birth. Join us in exploring how the Old Testament points to the suffering servant who died for our sins and be amazed afresh by the beauty of the cross.
You can read Acts 8:26-39 here, and you can read Isaiah 52-55 here.
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Read Acts 8:26-34
On the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza, the Ethiopian eunuch is in turmoil.
Usually, he oozes prestige. Erudite and religious, he’s used to advising and negotiating in the royal court. But on this day, he’s rattled – and not just by the rough journey. He reads again the ancient words of Isaiah and sees a lamb led to slaughter, an unjust death, a blurred image of a mystery man…
Pulse racing, he’s gripped by the powerful imagery. There’s something deeper, something profound in these words, but what!? Frustrated and bewildered, he’s desperate for more.
Notice how, as the Spirit of God nudges Philip forward, so He also humbles the eunuch to swing open the chariot door and welcome him in. A divine orchestration.
Has God brought you into the life of someone seeking more?
Read Acts 8:35-39
The next scene is both unbelievable and comfortingly familiar. Through the carriage window we see the Bible opened up between two very different men, smashing barriers of culture, race, and status – as surely only the gospel can.
Philip starts where the eunuch left off, but this time Isaiah’s slaughtered lamb has a name – Jesus. And as Philip walks him through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, everything slides into crisp focus. The ancient words of Isaiah come alive in the person of Jesus, each line bursting with promise and hope.
The eunuch’s eyes are opened, and his response is pure, unfiltered joy. Leaping from his carriage into the dust, he hurries Philip towards some water, eager to begin a new life with Jesus, the lamb who died to set him free.
One unlikely meeting, one gospel conversation, an eternal impact.
How does this challenge the way we think about the power of God’s Word?
How might this change the way we talk to our friends about Jesus?
It’s over 2,700 years since the book of Isaiah was written, but Truth doesn’t change. The gospel still gilds every line of God’s Word, and through reading it, we meet Jesus. This Lent, as we follow in the Ethiopian eunuch’s footsteps and grapple with Isaiah, let’s pray that we too will come humbly, see Jesus clearly, and be left rejoicing.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that reveals the truth about Jesus. As we study the book of Isaiah this Lent, open our eyes to see your Son more clearly, and deepen our understanding of your love for us. Help us to share this good news with others, just as Philip did. In Jesus' name, Amen. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
This devotional series has been written by members of UCCF Staff. This week's comes from Jo Auterson, Communications Manager.
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