Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Jesus the ultimate influencer

Bible Reading: Acts Chapter 8: 26-38

Key Verse: 31

“How can I, unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. (vs 31)

DEVOTION

Today we are living in a world full of influencers. People are trying to influence others ideologically, socially, politically, spiritually, etc. for their own gains and fame. There is only one real influencer, Jesus the Christ; the Living Lord who gave His life and shed His blood on the cross for the redemption of humanity.  
There are many people in need of some guidance, encouragement, enrichment and orientation in their life. Through the ministry of witnessing, we are taking the responsibility of influencing and inviting others to Christ and to follow the great influencer Jesus Christ.  In Acts chapter 8, we see that after the martyrdom of Stephen, although the disciples were scattered and went from place to place; they still witnessed Christ. They were engaging in the ministry of witnessing in the midst of persecution. Today’s text challenges us to do meaningful witness in a challenging and multicultural environment.
Jesus, the ultimate influencer, provides us opportunities to witness to others: Witnessing is basically a question of relationship with “the other”. In today’s text we see that Philip is being directed by the angel towards an alien, Eunuch. The Ethiopian Eunuch is a representative of an ethnically, nationally, culturally and gender alien identity. It was a command to initiate a co-journey with the alien. Philip walked along with the chariot so that he could listen to the inner search of the Eunuch. Same way, we need to initiate a co-journey with the other so that we can listen the sigh and search of the other. Only by co-journeying with the other we can share the gospel and the good news of the ultimate influencer, Jesus Christ. 
Co-journey leads to meaningful conversations and fellowship: Here, we see a meaningful conversation between the Eunuch and Philip. True influence start with meaningful conversation between the parties guided by the scripture. The scripture guided them in their search for the truth. Conversation with the other in light of the word of God will elevate the relationship to a position of mutuality and personalized faith, which leads to witnessing the Savior.  
At its core, the gospel is not exclusive but inclusive. It can adapt to any people or culture in any era. The apostle Paul, was transformed on the dusty road to Damascus. He moved out of his comfort zone, became the one who argued most vehemently for the inclusion of non-jews into the church. Philip, did not judge or question the Eunuch’s knowledge, rather offered to help. True influence is asking the right questions rather than just having all the answers. No matter what topic or scripture someone brings up; the goal of a Christian influencer is always to build a bridge that leads to Jesus Christ. Are you willing to be a bridge builder?
As they discussed the passage that the Eunuch was reading (Isiah 53), he saw water and immediately asked, “what hinders me from being baptized?”. The Eunuch made a bold life altering confession and proclaimed; I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Ethiopian Eunuch receives baptism as the mark of his faith affirmation (vs 36-37). The person gets elevated to next level of sacramental communion. Philip and Eunuch continued their journey in different paths, but witnessing Christ in  their own contexts. Every witness should create another witness. That is our ministry and that is true influence which brings glory to Christ Jesus, the ultimate influencer.    


                                           PRAYER

Dear Lord, give us the courage to be a positive influence for others and be a true witness, the ultimate influencer. Amen
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 True influence comes from co-traveling with “the other”. 

Mathew K. Lukose
Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Dallas

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