Nougat 7

Hi there

The time in which we live warns about ‘Stranger Danger’. It is the inbred mistrust of unknown people, especially around our children. That is essential. However, Jesus is no stranger to us. And that was not the case in the disciples’ day. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” … Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”” John‬ ‭1:43, 45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Two simple words – Follow me – and Philip’s life was forever transformed. He recognized the blessings and power those two words contained.

Follow me.

Come with me.

Be discipled by me.

Allow me to guide you.

Pursue me.

Be the one who comes after me.

Imitate me.

Watch me.

Keep your mind on me.

Attend closely to what I do and Who I am.

It carries the sense that the speaker carries authority and invites the hearer to a journey. One which the speaker already knows the way. For some, it implies mere accompaniment, but that does not capture the fullness of Jesus’ invitation. It was an invitation to more.

And Philip knew that

As with the other disciples, we don’t know what was happening in Philip’s life. He might have prayed for God to impact his life differently; he might have been contemplating the future; he might not have been consciously doing anything at all. But we do know that Jesus sought him out personally.

Philips’s response was immediate. No questions asked. In fact, he was so impacted; he was compelled to go tell a friend. Such was the strength of Philip’s conviction. In those TWO words, Philip was able to discern the Truth of Jesus’ identity.

Today Jesus is seeking each of us personally. Regardless of how ‘spiritual’ we may be presently. This day, those two words are offered to us – Follow Me (Jesus). Unlike Philip, we have had the benefit of knowing lots ABOUT Jesus. But this is an offer for deeper intimacy. To walk where Jesus directs, to dine with Him, to speak as led and to be all we are designed to be.

Can we hear the invitation? Are we ready for the journey? If so, arise and say, “I’m ready for the journey Lord.”

In Christ’s love and grace . . .