The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.” When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” Acts 8:29-30 HCSB
Even though I have a seminary degree there have been many times that I have not understood the Scriptures. I have had to seek help from commentaries, footnotes in the study Bible, and other people to get a better understanding of what God is saying through His Word. At times I will read a portion of the Scripture that I have read many times, but God provides new insight and understanding. It is exciting to constantly be learning new ways that God reveals Himself to us through His Word.
The Ethiopian eunuch was on a spiritual pilgrimage and was seeking answers from God. He was reading God’s Word but did not understand what he was reading. God provided Philip at just the right time to help him completely understand the Scriptures he was reading and how they related to the overarching message of the Bible – the Good News of Jesus Christ and how he could be forgiven of his sins and receive eternal life.
Challenge: When we earnestly seek God and His ways through the reading of His Word, God will provide a way for us to completely understand what He desires for our lives. Spend time in God’s Word each day. Ask Him to reveal new truths and understanding to you. Look for ways to apply what you have learned from God’s Word in your own life each day.