SUNDAY MARCH 16 Beggars’ Bread Nearing His earthly departure, Christ’s concern focused upon His disciples, whom He had selflessly served and deeply loved. They would not be abandoned. Although Jesus Himself had to return to heaven, the Holy Spirit was commissioned to supply the spiritual intimacy that the disciples had enjoyed in His presence. Christ’s instruction regarding the Spirit’s work was so valuable that John devotes several chapters to its preservation. One defining element was the Spirit’s testimony concerning Christ, even though the Spirit would not testify unaided. Accompanied by the Spirit, Christ’s disciples would likewise testify concerning Jesus’ ministry. God could have commissioned angels, unassisted by human beings, to broadcast the gospel. Instead, He elected to appoint sinful, erring, unpredictable humans for this sacred calling. Read John 1:40–46, 4:28–30, 15:26, 27, 19:35, 36. What do these texts teach us about the ways in which the human and divine work together in the winning of souls? Evangelism has been defined as “beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.” Andrew certainly excelled here. The writings of his brother Peter were to be included in Scripture one day, Peter’s ministry was chronicled in Acts, and Christ included Peter among His three closest associates. Those honors never attended Andrew. Nevertheless, he received special recognition for following Christ’s simple instruction to lead people to Jesus. How many of God’s chosen vessels—prolific leaders in evange-lism, administration, and leadership—have been introduced to Christ by faithful disciples whose identities, humanly speaking, have long been forgotten? Although these people were not prominent them-selves, think how crippled God’s work might have been had they not faithfully witnessed about Jesus. Christ prepared His disciples for greater tasks by first offering simple assignments well within their reach. The Samaritan woman, Philip, and Andrew demonstrate the power of simple testimonies and heartfelt invitations. We all are called to do likewise. Help support future releases of this app.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 06:28:41 +0000
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