Open to All People: a devotion on Africa’s legacy

From an Africa Study Bible application note:

Kandake was the title of the queen of Meroë, a powerful Nubian kingdom that existed since at least 750 BC. Trade had made this Sudanese kingdom very wealthy. As the treasurer, this official would have controlled much wealth. He was undoubtedly educated in Greek, the trade language of northern Egyptian cities, so he was able to converse with Philip. 

Personal servants of queens were often castrated. Luke calls this official a “eunuch” five times. This feature is important, because no matter how wealthy a eunuch was, he was barred from full conversion to Judaism (Deuteronomy 23:1). But this Ethiopian eunuch became a Christian and was baptised. The first Gentile Christian may have been an African. 

Christianity is open to all people no matter their background. Many among us have deeply rooted animistic and African traditional religious backgrounds. We may think we are not fit to be Christians. But the life of this Ethiopian shows us that anyone can come to Christ, and they are accepted fully into the Christian community. Christianity is not about where you come from but who you have decided to follow.

Today:

Praise God for including Africans in Christianity from the beginning. Thank Him for using angels, the Holy Spirit, miracles, His word, and His people to spread the gospel throughout the world. Repent of any belief that there is a barrier that can separate any tribe, nation, or family from God.