The Servants' Awesome Adventure

I offer this as a reflection in verse of the story of Philip the deacon, and the seeker, the Ethiopian eunuch, recorded in The Acts of the Apostles 8:26-40.

On the Road: Jerusalem to Gaza

South and west, goes Philip, Spirit-swept,
on mission-quest, the deacon’s heart is kept.
A royal chariot is up ahead.
“Engage the driver!” then the Spirit said.
The horses snort, now slowed, they take in air.
“What’s that you read: the scroll you’re holding there?”
The servant answered Philip, “Help me see:
Isaiah's words confuse, escaping me.”

“I am a treasure-keeper for my queen,
but this is hidden treasure, I’ve not seen.”
Philip then unveiled the holy text,
so he would not continue so perplexed:
“The Lamb that goes to slaughter is a man.
This servant suffers—part of a holy plan.
He’s silent, but his gift of self is strong:
He is the one for whom all lost souls long.

The Ethiopian, his spirit stirred,
declared aloud, moved by prophetic Word,
“I see the water, there, it pools and flows.
I sense my heart and feel as if it glows.
Does anything at all prevent descent?
Immersed, may I find, to the full extent,
the joy of knowing Christ within his death,
and know his rising with my next full breath!

Down he goes, baptized in Jesus’ name
not water only, but in Spirit’s flame
Then up, rejoicing, to go on his way.
Philip swept on to preach another day
This road to Gaza, thus, a stage of joy:
God’s power, these two servants did employ.
The Suff’ring Servant prophecy made known,
in Christ, to saving ends, was truly shown.