Title The zeal of the saints
Contents
Hymn : 506 (New Hymn 453) 'I want to know more about Jesus'
Meditation: Healthy saints are zealous. We value worship more than our lives, yearn for grace, and pray diligently to serve the church and the glory of God. Do you have such enthusiasm?
Confession of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Text: "The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go near to this chariot..." (Acts 8:26-40)
A healthy person has a strong appetite. If there is something to eat, you cannot miss it. But for those who have no appetite, it is hard work to eat. You can't die, so you have to eat. How unfortunate. The reason is that the body is sick. The life of faith is the same. Healthy saints are zealous. In particular, let's think together about the zeal the saints should have through the Ethiopian eunuch who appears in today's sermon.
First, it is eager to find out. The Ethiopian eunuch went to Jerusalem, where the temple of God was located. No matter how far away, no matter how far it passes through hot deserts and wilderness, or how many days it takes, I went to Jerusalem because there was the truth of God and there was a holy temple. No matter how busy and tired you are, you must have the determination and zeal to worship before God.
Second, the eagerness to know. The eunuch was reading the Bible even while he was leaving Jerusalem and returning to his home country. By the time you return home, you will be very tired. Nevertheless, he was earnestly reading the Bible on the swaying chariot. Those who long for the word and grace of God are those who are eager to know.
Third, we are eager to be guided. The eunuch asks Philip to get into the chariot and asks Philip to teach him. This is a figure of humble oneself in order to receive spiritual guidance despite being a high-ranking person in a country. Among church members, those who accept the leadership of the leaders well are those who have the right faith. Such people of faith can develop and grow, and furthermore, they can become great leaders.
Dear brothers and sisters, I hope you will live your life of faith with zeal. I hope that you will truly yearn for God's grace, obey God's Word, and enjoy the grace and blessings that God has promised.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be zealous in all things and live only for Your glory. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer