Open Invite

Acts 8:26–40; Psalm 22:25–31; 1 John 4:7–21; John 15:1–8

In many respects, the story of the Ethiopian is one of my favorites. It, along with the Samaritan woman, reflects the and grace of God.

Yesterday, in Amos 9:7, Cushite was used as a disparaging term toward the Israelites infidelity to God. A Cushite is what the Old Testament calls…an Ethiopian. So, the people group used to disparage the Israelites…can have a saving relationship with Christ.

Then there is another issue. The Ethiopian was a eunuch. Per the Law, a eunuch was not permitted in the . Granted, tradition had redefined things a bit.

One thing often disappears in this is the reality that one cannot reproduce biologically when one is a eunuch. However, as a Christian one still produces children…spiritual ones (think and Timothy).

The Ethiopian was already on the spiritual journey, for he was going to at the Temple. It means that he was a worshiping as a Jew. He was, then, almost there.

The Ethiopian is symbolic of just how outside of God’s “” a person can be, and still be called into relationship. We could dismiss the so-called minor issues of the Ethiopian, however, the Law helped to define what was for the Jews.

So, this isn’t a minor thing. Instead, it shows that while God is holy and , God still makes a way for those whose hearts are open to the movement of the Holy . That’s pretty open. God’s grace is wide open.

※Reflection※

  • Have you ever felt so separated from God, that God would never take you back?
  • How would you explain this grace to a person who does not understand ?

※Prayer※

Jesus, you are the reason for this grace that we have been given. Thank you for what you did for us on the cross. Amen.