Five Power Words

Read John 1:34-4, Luke 3:19-20
 
John 1:43-46 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. 45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.
 
THE extraordinary Scriptures referred to in today’s reading could cause us to spend the remainder of the year considering Jesus’ early ministry. But in view of your commitment to read and study the Scriptures, we’ll focus on this passage that is perhaps less well-known and still very much life-changing.
   Five words here call for you to step into something new. “Follow me.” Jesus said. “Come and see.” invited Philip. Imagine! The LORD of Heaven and earth says, “Follow me.” You are amazed, honored, excited and perhaps uncertain. You’ve been seeking something new in your life. But is this what you want? You’ve had some desire to learn more of God, but do you have the time? Possibly, you might feel that following Jesus, the Son of God, will be too difficult. Maybe you won’t like being a follower of anyone, especially the LORD God, who requires your heart. What do you think before you take the first step?
   Sometimes the first step may be easy. “After all, following Jesus,” you are told, “is something you can do when you want in any way you want.” Yes, you can certainly go to that new Bible study at church once or twice. After all, no one asked you to commit. It’s easy. Or you can listen to a 5-minute message on the radio or internet. Maybe you will just read the Bible for 15 minutes a day – easy.
   Or wait. What happens when you do these things? Did you hear someone asking you to commit? If so, perhaps it was really Jesus, speaking through that person. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus was inviting you to, “Follow me.” into his Word. As you begin to desire more of God, the Spirit is inviting you into a new life. He is your Helper to answer your questions, so you will discover who he is. He’s spoken to your mind, heart and soul, stirring you to know more of the Father, Son and Spirit.
   Think about it. The One, who was with God and who was God in the beginning (John 1:1-2) has come from heaven to seek you! He offers the way of grace, hope, forgiveness and love. Still most of all, he offers eternal life to all who commit to follow him. The Lord Jesus wants to lead you into the eternal joy of his salvation.  
   Do you wonder, “Can anything good come from God?” Then let’s use Philip’s words. “Come and see.”  See for yourself how the LORD is good. Read John 2 again. Read John 3 again. Read John 4 again. John’s testimonies proclaim Jesus is Savior, Living Water come to quench our thirst. Trust in Jesus’ words. Submit to his authority. Drink the cup of blessing at the wedding feast. Drink his Living Water at the well of life. Repent of your sins because he knows everything you’ve ever done. Commit to, “Come and see.” And you will discover why Jesus says, “Follow me.”