October 6 They Find Him

John 1:40-42 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).
 
DO you think God had prepared Andrew and Peter to be Jesus’ disciples?
   The evidence here suggests the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Andrew was actively seeking the Messiah. He went to John the Baptist to hear his preaching and teaching. “Was John the One?” he wondered. Andrew then heard and saw John point to Jesus to say, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36) In response, Andrew went to Jesus. From Jesus, he witnessed to Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” Peter’s response shows us he was ready to go. Together they returned to Jesus.
   These first disciples’ actions illustrate how God calls us to discipleship. He places in our hearts a desire to seek the Messiah, the Savior. That desire may first come from through the Holy Spirit through parents, a friend, a speaker, an evangelist or even the Holy Spirit directly speaking to us. We hear of Jesus, the Savior, and the Spirit stirs our hearts to say, “I want to find the Messiah.” This is a deep-seated urging to know and be with Jesus.
   We could be blessed to have good Bible teaching around us to help us find Jesus. Or some may not know where to look. They live where there are no churches and Bible teachings. But God stirs them to look. They persist until a missionary or an evangelist speaks of and points to Jesus. The good news could come from a radio broadcast, a pamphlet on the street or a Bible secretly shared by a friend. Often it comes from another disciple who says, “I have found the Savior. Would you like to meet him?” In many ways, the Spirit of God delivers the good news of Jesus Christ to daily make new disciples he has stirred to seek Jesus. One by one, the kingdom of God grows.
   Peter gets a new name. Andrew does not. Do you wonder why? Again, it is evidence of God’s methods. He has chosen Peter for a particular work to be a leader in the early church. Peter will become a pillar of faith and strength who will advance the gospel into the world. Andrew has his role, too. Twice more in John we’ll see him bringing people to Jesus. He’s a disciple who helps people find the Messiah.
   These two are good examples of Jesus’ true church. God anoints people to seek the Savior. The anointed become his disciples. Disciples help others find Jesus to make new disciples. God has given us each a purpose in his kingdom. What is it for you?
 
Prayer: I pray I am a good disciple, Lord, to tell people, “I have found the Savior. Would you like to meet him?” Amen.