November 30th - Reflection

Andrew, Apostle
John 1:35-42 (NRSV)

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

Reflection
And they followed Jesus. I have heard other explanations of these words refer to the action of pursued Jesus. Pursue seems to denote more action than to follow. When I am excited and persistent about finding something, I pursue it. After I have found it and studied it and agree with the goodness of it, I follow.

The actions of pursuit and follow, indicate that the disciples found something that is unique. Jesus is one of a kind. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is the one we have been waiting for. Why not be excited? "Look, here is the Lamb of God!"

And Jesus questions the disciples. "What are you looking for?" We need Jesus to teach us and show us the way to go. We need a Savior to guide us through life. We need Jesus to help in the decisions of life. We need God in our daily life. We need God to live! --- "Where are you staying?" --- "Come and see."

Jesus is staying with us, in us and all around us. Jesus is also coming again, in glory. But for now, in this season of Advent, we put our trust in that coming of Jesus. Jesus is coming again, prepare yourself.

Stop and reflect on the action of God coming in flesh to his creation. Stop and reflect on Jesus coming again and all that means to your life. Stop and reflect, not on the shopping lists, or the December 25th deadline,  but on the depth of the meaning of Jesus coming again. Jesus may come again in the next moment or days or years from now.

Stop and reflect on Jesus coming again. How will you welcome that coming? "Come and see...

Prayer
Come Lord Jesus come... --- Amen