This is a very strange assignment that Philip received from the Lord. He had just carried out fruitful work in Samaria, where many people converted. And now he is to leave this blessed place and go to a deserted place. There would hardly be a single soul there. There truly are more attractive and understandable assignments.

So it would not have been surprising if Philip had objected: “Lord, I am needed here. What is this assignment? I cannot understand this task!” But Philip obeys and goes. We read nothing about incomprehension, objections, or long discussions.

Without any ifs or buts, Philip follows the call. In the end, a pagan finds peace with God. This man may be one reason why there are so many Christians in his homeland Ethiopia today. It may also explain why it was the second country worldwide making Christianity its state religion.

Let us learn the following lessons from this first of the three times it says: “Get ready and go”:

1) Leaving the Comfort Zone

God may sometimes require us to leave our comfort zone. Philip went to a “desert” place. “Getting up” is surely not meant literally here. Philip certainly did not evangelize while sitting down. It means rather: Be ready to leave your familiar surroundings. Advance for God into unknown territory. This can be understood geographically. It can also mean engaging with new situations to proclaim the gospel.

2) Unattractive Assignments can be the most Fruitful

An assignment from the Lord does not always have to look “attractive.” He is the sovereign Lord of the harvest (see Matthew 9:38). He can send His workers where He wants them. Often the most unattractive tasks are the most fruitful.

3) Unconditional Obedience in Service

In service for the Lord, unconditional obedience is necessary. Most of the time we are very creative when it comes to raising objections. Lord, it is raining! Lord, person X surely will not listen! Lord, book-table work is hardly worth it! Lord, there is football tonight! Lord, …!

4) God’s Assignments do not Always have to Make Sense to Us

The Lord’s assignments do not always have to be understandable to us or make sense. Let us trust the Lord of the harvest. He has the best overview of the field of work.

5) God does not Explain Everything in Advance

The Lord does not tell us in advance why He gives us a certain task. Sometimes it can take years until we learn the reason. Sometimes it may even only be at the judgment seat of Christ. Here too, the same applies again: Obey!

6) One Single Soul Matters Greatly to the Lord

To the Lord, a single soul is so valuable that He can even let other fruitful work rest. He may do so briefly, or even shut it down. “Desert” places should be very important to us. The few people there are important to the Lord. In our eyes, a street sermon before 1,000 people may seem more valuable. Visiting an unbelieving colleague in the hospital may seem less valuable. And the often drunk neighbor may call and drop by again and again. He still does not convert, and we may only roll our eyes. But the Lord has different standards.