Saturday, January 13, 2007
John 1:40-42 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.
IN HIS PRESENCE WE ARE CHANGED
In the following months, this conviction that Jesus was indeed the Savior of the world would grow deeper and deeper as Andrew and Peter spent more time with Him. Their trust in Jesus would grow so deep that these men would devote their lives to Him. Both Andrew and Peter would one day die in service of the Messiah.
Time spent conversing with Jesus changes you. It doesn't matter whether you hear His words from His mouth, or read them off the pages of His book. When you hear the Word of Christ, you are in His presence and you are affected by His power.
The readings we do in Church every week are not done out of appreciation for great literature. We read Jesus' Word to feed our faith in Him, to comfort our sinful hearts and to grow in true wisdom.
It is not always easy to absorb Christ's wisdom. Sometimes we must wrestle with a section of scripture for days before it yields us the insight that we seek. We hear some passages a thousand times before the Holy Spirit finally breaks through and shows us its meaning.
Yes, it often takes time for the Holy Spirit to teach. But the value of His lessons are beyond estimation. Psalm 19:7-8 says:
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes."
May the light of Christ shine on you richly this Epiphany, and in the light of His love may you be blessed with a greater knowledge of yourself, and of your Savior.
