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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 20, 2008 “Come and See” |
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Frontline Devotion for Sunday, January 20, 2008 by Anne B. Crawford
The next day John was there again with two of his
disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around,
Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi"
(which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
"Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was
staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said
and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother
Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he
brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John.
You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). John 1:35-42
(New International Version)
“Come and see” - two very urgent and immediate words that demand our attention. They are both words of invitation and command. The early disciples didn’t have much to go on. No TV, no magazines, no internet or cell phones. What they had was Jesus in the flesh. The only real way to experience his power and his love was to ‘come and see’ for themselves. First, John the Baptist told Andrew and Andrew went and got his brother Simon (Peter), and soon Jesus had his band of 12 disciples and soon after that the crowds decided to ‘come and see’ what this Jesus was all about too.
Two thousand years later, the invitation remains the same. We are invited each week at worship to come and see and experience Jesus and we are called to extend that invitation to others. There is no substitute for the direct invitation to come and see what Jesus and His salvation are all about. Magazines and websites and newspaper ads are all fine, but we still need to be about the business of inviting others to ‘come and see.’ This year, while our congregation builds a new sanctuary, there have been many calls in our newsletter to come and see the progress we’re making on the building. For now (at least to me), the progress still looks mostly like a big hole in the ground. I need the words of encouragement from our building committee that things really are moving along. In bringing the message of Jesus to others, we need to be constantly issuing the call to ‘come and see’ what Jesus is about. We need to be supportive and encouraging for those who are new in their faith journey, for those who are well-along in their journey and yet facing uncertainties or personal crises. We all need to hear those words of invitation and command – “come and see.” The Savior does not disappoint. He is waiting for us. Come and see!
Loving God, thank you for inviting us to come and see your son Jesus; to hear what he has to say and to learn from His example. Help us to extend a welcome to all around us and to echo the call Jesus gave to his disciples to ‘come and see’ and be a part of your family and bear witness to your saving grace. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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