“And there was great joy in that city.”

Oh yes, there was.

Such a simple, short verse. In my memorization of Acts, (which, I should say, has been a wonderful, challenging experience...), chapter 8, verse 8, stands out strongly. What power lies in those few words. Why was there great joy in that city of Samaria? The previous verse gives a sneak peek: “For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.” Let me tell you friends, these people were freed from bondage. Does this sound familiar at all? Isaiah 58? Try verse 6. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Can you imagine the ecstasy that Phillip must have had at the carrying out of this fast in Samaria? It makes me excited, almost 2,000 years afterwards! But praise our wonderful Savior, I don't just have to be excited about it, and forget about it. We have the opportunity, right now, to have an experience like Phillip. God wants to use us like that! And to help people like the Ethiopian. To, if need be, get caught away to serve somewhere else. Are we willing? We can, instead of going on shopping trips to fulfill our lusts after the things of this world, (yes, I admit, this has been me), we can go there to serve! (Please don't move there though. See “Country living”... :-)). What city do you do your shopping in? What about working for God there? And maybe, just maybe, when, by God's grace, we get to our final home, we can sit by the Tree of Life, and look back at it, saying;

“And there was great joy in that city.”

By His grace. Let's join hands and do it.

Your humble brother and friend,

-Schane