Who was the first apostle? Peter? Philip? John? The early church recognised Andrew as the first to follow Christ. They called him "Protokletos" - meaning the first called. Andrew was in the fishing business with his father and brother on the Sea of Galilee. He had a deep spiritual hunger. When he heard about the new prophet, John, he walked down the Jordan Valley to where John was preaching and baptizing. He became very close to John and is listed as one of his disciples. Did he help John with the huge task of baptizing all who came repenting of their sins? Then one day he was startled by John shouting, " Look, there is the Lamb of God." Andrew turned and saw a young man walking close by. He and his fellow disciple followed the one John had pointed to. "What do you want?" the man asked. Andrew replied, "Where are you staying?" In other words, "we would like to talk with you." That night completely changed his whole life. The next morning he eagerly went to find his brother, Simon Peter. No one said to Andrew, "Go tell your brother." It came as a result of fellowship with Christ. Andrew felt he had to share what he had found and learned. Witnessing to others is not the result of a strong determination to do it. It is the natural outcome, the overflow of being with Christ. The greatest act of friendship is to share with our friends what we know of Jesus Christ. Who knows what the result may be or how God could use the one we speak to, as He did to Peter, the man found by Andrew and brought to Christ. Is there someone we could touch today? A VERSE TO REMEMBER: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel." (Romans 1:16) |
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