Philip had tremendous success reaching people for the Lord in the city of Samaria. After Peter and John visited the city and helped with the work, the angel of the Lord told Philip to “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” He obeyed and found an Ethiopian sitting in a chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. Philip went up to him and asked if he understood what he read. The man responded, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Act 8:31). Philip proceeded to help this man receive Jesus Christ as Lord. God was at work in the Ethiopian and invited Philip to join Him in that work.

In Acts 9, Jesus confronts Paul and knocks him off his horse, literally and metaphorically, followed with instruction to “get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” Jesus then summons Ananias to join in the work of God by ministering and witnessing to Paul. Again, we clearly see that God is at work in the world and invites willing disciples to join Him to accomplish His work.

A devout, God-fearing centurion named Cornelius is the focus of Acts chapter 10. An angel of the Lord in response to Cornelius’ prayers gives him very specific directions to invite Peter to come to him. At the same time, Peter is receiving revelation in a vision that he should go to Cornelius. As the record unfolds, Peter obeys and leads Cornelius and those with him, the first Gentiles, into the family of God.  God put all of this together! He worked in the heart of Cornelius to be hungry for the truth, and He invited Peter, a willing disciple, to join in the work that He was doing in the world.

These are three of many indisputable examples of how the ministry of reconciliation works.  God draws people to Himself (John 6:44), by working in their hearts, then He invites willing believers to join Him in the work that He is doing.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,

namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God is also at work in your world reconciling men back to Himself through Jesus Christ. Are you willing to join Him in the work He is doing? Reconciliation is something only God can do, but He allows people to help by carrying the message. Are you willing to let God do through you that which only He can do? Philip, Ananias, and Peter were willing men with a heart to reach others, so they were invited to do so. We too should have such a desire that prompts seeking, praying, and asking for God to let us work together with Him!