We Have Found The Messiah!

SCRIPTURE

Andrew, Apostle
John 1:35-42 (NRSV)

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

DEVOTION

In today’s scripture reading we get to "eavesdrop" as two of John the Baptist’s disciples make the decision to follow Jesus!

It warms my heart to see how Jesus receives them with such grace asking, “What are you looking for?”

Isn’t this a question full of the wisdom of the ages? Jesus knew that in the absence of a relationship with him, we are all seeking, but not finding that which we need.

For example many of my non-Christian friends are seeking joy, where none is to be found, peace in the midst of conflict, and love in all the wrong places.

Blaise Pascal once said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.”

Hallelujah; I am so glad that Jesus has filled up that God-sized hole in my heart!

During this Advent Season, as we celebrate the first coming of Jesus and look forward to his second coming, let us make up our minds to take on the evangelical spirit of the Apostle Andrew.

I believe that Andrew is a good example for all Christians because his immediate response to an encounter Jesus was to share the good news with those whom he loved.

What is it that you will go and tell your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors about Jesus during this Christmas season?

Andrew said, “We have found the Messiah!” How about you?

Won’t you pray with me?

Holy One, thank you that my relationship with you makes all the difference in my life. You are my love, joy, peace, and hope for the future. I love you so much and I want to share our love with others. Thank you for allowing Love to give Jesus to die on the cross to save me from my sin and gift me with eternal life. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can share this good news with everyone I meet. I am waiting with great hope, expectation, and repentance for you to come again. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

ANNOUNCEMENT

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