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The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 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.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ 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.’ (John 1:43-51)
Jesus has called many into His ministry, both clergy (professional) and laity (volunteers). Many have said Yes without reservation and entered into the program or process that qualifies them. Some have said Not Yet, and continued with their lives and careers and later in life feel another nudge from God, retire or relocate, and enter as a second-career person into ministry. And there are some who simply say No. Not now, not ever. Worse are those who say Yes and do nothing. Blessed are those who say No and then decide they will do something for Jesus.
Today's passage has Jesus calling Philip with the simple invitation of "Follow Me." Philip was known by Jesus, and Jesus was known by Philip. The gospels tell us that perhaps Philip went on to be like the road manager for Jesus and the other disciples, being the one questioning the amount of money they had to feed a multitude. But something about Philip impressed Jesus enough to be the first disciple, according to John, that Jesus approaches and says, "Follow Me." His enthusiasm for this invitation reaches his friend Nathanael to whom Philip says, "We have found Him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nate wasn't overly impressed with that and says something rather rude, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Yet, Jesus bowls over Nate with His remark as Nate approaches, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Whoa! Nate asks, "Where did you come to know me?" Jesus says that He had seen Nate sitting under a fig tree. Nate replies with a grand declaration: "You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus probably smiles and said, "All that because I saw you under a fig tree? Man, will you see greater things, even Heaven opened and God's angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
I did not have that type of call into ministry. And many a time as I heard others share their call I questioned the validity of my call. But it's not about that, it's about how we respond after Jesus calls us and what we do for Him. Whatever you have been called to, dear friend, how are you doing with that call? Are you still waiting for a call, or do you know that Jesus can use you right now, right where you are, to better and build the Kingdom of God! Simply make that a part of your daily prayer life in which you ask God what it is you should do. And God will answer.
PRAYER: Loving God, as we close this devotional time, may the adventure begin for this dear reader by showing just what You expect. Let us all respond with "Here I am, Lord." This we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Practice saying Yes to God in all things!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Dear one, today at about 8 a.m., my dear friend and colleague, Rev. Michael Dobbs, undergoes a very delicate surgery to remove his bladder. Mike has battled cancer for a while and options will be explored as to the next steps for him. He serves as our pastor in Mathis at First UMC. Please pray for Olga, his wife, for their children and grandchildren as well. Pray for a victory in Jesus for Mike and the whole family. Thank you ahead of time for your prayers!
