Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 17, 2023
John 1:35-42
35 The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus walking along he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?” 39 He replied, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Christ ). 42 He led him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Good Morning, What are you looking For? Come and See!
The first chapter begins with the beginning of time, skips to the ministry of John the Baptist, and John’s pronouncement identifying Christ as the Lamb of God/Messiah. Following this announcement to two of John the Baptist’s disciples, Andrew finds his brother (Simon) and goes with John to see Jesus. The chapter closes with the calling of Philip and Nathanial to follow.
The calling of the disciples invokes many questions for me. Could I drop everything and follow this man that I had just met? What questions would I have before choosing to follow? What would my answer be when Jesus asked me what I was looking for?
I love to go shopping. Typically, I go to fulfill a particular need. I may need something for my home, a gift for someone, or even shoes or clothing. Shopping can be frustrating if you can’t find the item for which you are looking. Have you ever gone into a store without a specific reason for entering? For me, this is fun shopping because you are open to whatever unexpectedly catches your eye. This is when I find my greatest treasures.
Those disciples, especially the early ones, chose to follow Jesus with few expectations. When Jesus asked, “What are you looking for?” it is likely they didn’t know the answer. For the two who had become disciples of John the Baptist, they might have had a general answer. But how could they have known what they had found? Jesus was an unexpected treasure who would teach them to see the world turned upside down with new ways and values.
Even if they weren’t ready to articulate their answer, what were John, Andrew, and Simon (Peter) seeking that day long ago? Peace? Comfort? Answers? A Promised Savior? They began to find these things on that day, but so much more would be revealed to them over the next three years. You can’t ask for things that are as yet unfathomable.
Isn’t this the same thing we seek today? We must open our eyes and be prepared for the unexpected treasures we find along our faith journey. We begin by looking for things that solve our basic needs, but Christ allows us glimpses of the unimaginable things yet to come along our journey. Hallelujah! Open your eyes so you don’t miss the miracles that happen before us daily.
Loving God, We thank you! We don’t know how to really thank you for the gift of Jesus. We are unsure of what we are looking for, yet we want to come and see. Please help us to stay on our path to glory. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I spend time at the feet of Jesus, I am sure to find peace and comfort.
What are you seeking? Pastor Liz
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