34-35 The eunuch said, “Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?” Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
36-39 As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, “Here’s water. Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn’t mind. He had what he’d come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.
Reflection
We all have something we are a bit nerdy about, right?
Suppose someone asks us a relatively innocuous question that happens to be related to that subject, we may end up on a long enthusiastic tangent that doesn’t even answer the question.
For me it happens when people ask “How are things?” or “What are you up to?” Well, my kids. I’ll acknowledge how difficult it can be, but it’s pretty easy to start bragging about how cute they are when they play together, or how funny they are, or the new words that the little one has been starting to say, and the amazing story the “grown up” girl was telling. After a few minutes, I realize I’ve taken over the conversation when this person was just showing polite interest. I feel bad when I accidentally monopolize a conversation like that, but I can’t help but bask a little bit in the joy that sharing these stories brings me.
My husband will also do this about the girls and his other hobbies. He will become bashful and apologize for going on about things that I don’t really understand, but there’s nothing to be bashful or sorry about. I love seeing his happiness. I love hearing his excitement. Even if some (or most) of the jargon is going over my head, I don’t mind not understanding the details, because I do understand his joy, and that gives me joy.
There is so much in this world that is difficult, and it’s really easy to get sucked into venting in a toxic loop. That’s why I think it’s important and beneficial to indulge someone’s nerdiness. I may not understand it, but if it brings them joy to talk about it, who am I to stifle that? But also! If it brings them so much joy, maybe it’s worth a try and maybe I will find joy in it too.
I feel like this interaction between Philip and the eunuch was similar to the way we get excited about something and accidentally monopolize the conversation. Philip saw an opportunity to share the joy of following Jesus and it shone through him so brightly that the eunuch decided he wanted to try this too! Even when the interaction was over and Philip had gone, that joy stayed with him as he continued his journey. What a wholesome and wonderful experience to imagine.
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
What in your life brings you joy?
How can you cultivate joy in others?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the things that bring us joy. For each person, it’s something different and that’s amazing! Thank You for the opportunities for others to share their joy with us, and thank You for the opportunities we have to share our joys with them. We hope that with every moment of joy we can share, Your love can also be shared. In Your name, Amen