Good day dear friends.
Please be in prayer for Richard Brotzman and his family as Richard's dad died yesterday in Kerrville, Texas. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Here is our study guide for today:
This past Sunday we looked closely at the life and ministry of Peter while a disciple. How did Peter’s life compare with the others? How does Peter’s life compare with yours? Have you taken brave, bold steps towards faithful service or Jesus or are you still in the shadows. Please read the story of another two brothers in Jesus’ service as found in John 1:43ff. Have you brought your brother/sister to Christ Jesus?
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
Peter's life was different in some ways to the other eleven; yet he came to be known as the "Prince of the Disciples." Peter had a bold leadership style that made him among the most trusted, yet even that trust was, like in our lives, misplaced. Ultimately, Peter proved that the Lord had selected the right disciple.
Today's passage shares the calling of Philip by Jesus. Philip in turn, goes and calls his brother Nathanael to come to Jesus. Nate's a bit reluctant at first and then follows. In Time magazine this week there is a section called "Ten Questions" and the answerer is Alec Baldwin. One of the questions has to do with the radical conversion of his brother to Christianity and Alec's opinion of it. Alec responds that it can be a political one but that he is happy about his brother being devout now. How do your siblings feel about Jesus and your relationship with Him? Have you invited them to "come and see?"
PRAYER: Loving God, help me today live my life in a "come and see" mode, where my words, actions, and deeds help others know I am in relationship with You. Let me care enough for my brothers/sisters to help them "come and see" as well. I ask and pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
