Musings on the Book of John

written by Connie Hecker

FIRST RESPONSE

John 1:38-39 (NIV)

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 they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

As I ponder the attitude of Jesus’ first followers asking where He is staying so they can spend more time with him, I wonder about my own attitude. Do I linger with Jesus? Do I spend my day with Him? Do I run to bring my family to Him, to tell them so they can come to know Him as well? Who brought me? John and Andrew found Jesus at the place He was staying. Was it a room in the neighborhood?

Was it a shelter in the rocks in the area? We have no idea, and it doesn’t matter. The only important thing was the presence of Jesus. Who have I brought into the presence of Jesus? Who has Jesus placed in my path of influence who needs to come into His presence? Am I willing to open my eyes to see, to seek them out, and point them to Jesus?

I think about my youngest, who is so far from home, her true home - not a physical shelter. She needs to come into the presence of Jesus. Who will lead her? I am reminded of the God who designed animals, enabling them to travel hundreds of miles through rugged terrain. This is the same God I can stand confidently in, that no matter the trail, no matter the distance, no matter the storms, this God longs to bring His daughter home. All of His daughters and sons. Therefore, I can trust. I can rejoice. The journey may be long and hard, and there will be struggles. But I can trust in a God who calls us into His presence. She will make it home one day.

EYE CONTACT WITH JESUS

John 1: 40-42 (NIV)

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).

Simon. Always he was Simon. His brother comes to him; he wasn’t far away. He is full of excitement. Andrew knew Simon would want to know about Jesus. Both of them were eager for the foretold coming of the Anointed One. Simon is ready in his heart to receive with eagerness the news Andrew brings. He does not hesitate to go with him. He wants to meet this one that Andrew is so certain about. How many nights had these two brothers lain awake and discussed the prophecies and possibilities? The time was near; they knew it, they felt it, they believed it. Simon was ready. Andrew came and found him. Andrew brought him to where Jesus was staying. The very same day that Andrew found out for himself.

What happens when they first meet? Simon gets “looked at “ by Jesus. What does it mean when God Himself looks deep into your eyes, your soul, your spirit? The very Creator of those eyes? The Creator of that spirit? Can anything be hidden from Him? Can anything make a difference to His plan for you? Can you create a stumbling block that keeps Him from power? Does your soul soar to new heights as His eyes search yours? Do you tremble with awe as He holds you captive with His eyes? Can you feel His deep love for His very own creation - you? Do you want to hold anything back from Him? NO! All these fears and doubts flee under the steady, loving gaze of The Creator; The Word made flesh. And He creates something new in you. He gives Simon a new name, a new purpose, a new focus. From now on, he is Simon Peter. Later, the name Simon is lost altogether, and he is known simply as Peter. The Rock. The unmoving. Simon, the faltering one, becomes the great leader, the Rock.

Jesus has given me a new name and purpose as well. Am I ready to walk in it, fully trusting in my Creator’s Word spoken in my heart as He gazes deep into my soul when I come to Him?