Ethiopian Official

Friday, September 23, 2016

The Minister of Finance in the government of Queen Candace of Ethiopia believed in God, who had revealed his Word to the prophets.

He went to Jerusalem to fulfill religious duties prescribed by his conscience and his limited understanding of God’s Word. When he was returning home, the Lord sent him Philip to counsel him and bring his faith to maturity through trusting and believing in Jesus Christ (read Acts 8:26-40).

Many people in the Muslim world are very thirsty spiritually. They go on pilgrimages and fulfill religious duties, attempting to please God. Let us pray that the Lord will send them light and revelation to bring them to the Kingdom of Christ, transform them to be his children and fill them with peace and joy.

Prayer

Lord God, you came down on Mount Sinai where you spoke to Moses and gave him your laws (Exodus 19). You spoke to Elijah on Mount Horeb and gave him courage and guidance (1 Kings 19:8-18). I pray that you will speak from Mount Calvary to Muslims today. May you bestow the grace of Jesus Christ on the followers of Muhammad!

Help me to be a “Philip” for a Muslim seeker this week. Use me as I am, limited in my understanding of Islam and Muslims, and flawed and weak. By the power of your Holy Spirit, help me to say words that come directly from you. Please speak through me to answer their questions. In my weakness, manifest your power. Keep me from being argumentative. Fill my heart with love and compassion, my mouth with words of grace, and my soul with courage.

As the Ethiopian official accepted your Word, help many Muslims to open their hearts to your message and accept Jesus as their only Lord and Savior. Grant them to declare, as that man did, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And just as the official went on his way rejoicing, may their hearts be full of your joy. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Promise

When you seek me, you will find me; if you search wholeheartedly, I shall let you find me (Jeremiah 29:13-14, REB).