Thursday, July 30, 2015
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. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone).
ANDREW: FROM FISHERMAN TO FOLLOWER
Are you a leader or a follower? There is certainly a wrong answer if asked in a certain context. Do you follow others into sin? Do you carelessly ignore God's Word and behave however you want? If you are following others into sin, you can be sure that you are leading others into that sin as well through your example! But look at Andrew's example. What a blessing it was for Andrew to meet his Savior and to be able to live with Jesus and to hear Him teach. Andrew loved to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to him tell about God's love and faithfulness. Andrew was a follower of Jesus every day. In fact, in following Jesus we see Andrew became a leader too. He led others, including "his own brother Simon [Peter]."
After Jesus ascended into heaven, Andrew and the other disciples (followers) were missionaries to their homes and families, and even traveling to faraway countries, teaching them all about the love of Jesus, and telling them how they too could go to heaven by believing that Jesus is their Savior. Like Andrew, we can follow Jesus every day of our lives. "Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
Dear Andrew followed after Christ, Who paid the final sacrifice.
For on the cross our Savior died, That we might all be glorified.
They loved their Savior; sang His praise.
They worshiped Him through-out their days.
For thankful champions they could be,
Since Jesus won the victory!
("God's Champions" by Renold Kremer. Copyright (C) 2001 Kremer Publications. Used with Permission.)
