The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:29-31

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When I was a kid, I loved watching reruns of the 1960s “Batman” TV show (I still do). I know it’s silly, but the basic plot pulled me in. And so did the iconic Batphone. I was mesmerized by Commissioner Gordon’s lifeline to save Gotham City. He had a special red phone in his office to call the Caped Crusader at a moment’s notice. The best part? Batman was always ready to respond. He and his sidekick Robin would show up to solve a mysterious riddle and tackle whatever needed to be done. You get the picture (if not, watch this!).

I’m going to make a big leap here, but stick with me. As I read about Philip in Acts 8, he’s consistently in the right place at the right time with the right response. He has one ear toward Heaven and a heart that’s ready to follow wherever God leads. After escaping persecution in Jerusalem, Philip heads to Samaria to share the Good News of Jesus. Then, when the proverbial red phone rings, he doesn’t hesitate to pick up the divine call! God’s Spirit guides him to a particular road to speak with a specific spiritual seeker. Check out how the plot unfolds in Acts 8:32-35 for yourself. The Ethiopian minister of finance, confused by the prophetic riddle in Isaiah 53, needed help, and Philip showed up ready to tackle what needed to be done.

If you’re still with me, here’s the big question for today: When the red phone rings, will you answer God and show up ready to tackle what needs to be done? He’s not going to give you a ministry opportunity that you can’t courageously step into. He’s not going to send you to serve someone without His Spirit working in and through you. You might not know exactly what to say in a situation, but God will guide you. You might be disappointed that the person you serve doesn’t immediately respond to the Good News of Jesus, but God is good with you planting seeds. When the red phone rings, practice answering and going wherever the Spirit of God wants to unleash the transforming power of His love.

Next Steps

It may feel like an odd metaphor, but believing there’s a “red phone” between you and God is true and transformational (John 10:27, 14:26; Phil. 4:6-7). Today, practice paying attention to who He wants you to notice, talk to, and serve. If this means going out of your way, do it. If this requires prayer in the moment for what to say, ask for the words. And if the red phone doesn’t ring today, be ready tomorrow.

Remember, throughout this series we’re reading the book of Acts as a church. Take a look at the reading plan and join in (it’s never too late)!