Reading for the Day*: John 1: 35-42

The grace seen at the baptismal font, a grace that claims us before we even know that we belong to God, is a lifelong call.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus he said to two of his disciples, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” The two left John, and immediately followed Jesus, not yet as disciples, but at a distance. At this point they were just curious and cautious. “Is this what the Lamb of God looked like? He wasn’t all that different from John, or themselves, for that matter.”

Jesus turned to them and asked what they were looking for. “Where are you staying,” they replied. “Come and see,” Jesus said. Walk with me. Live with me. Learn for yourself Who I am. The walk of Christian discipleship is not about “head” knowledge. It is not about the accumulation of facts or verifiable proofs. It is about experience. It is about a willing commitment that leads to ultimate trust.

One of the disciples, Andrew by name, had a brother named Simon Peter. Filled with insight and excitement he hurried to Simon Peter and said, “We have found the Messiah, the Christ, the Lord.” The discovery of who Jesus is, is found in community though it may appear to be individual revelation.

Jesus’ invitation still echoes. Come and see. Go and serve, to the glory of God.

“Our hearts are restless until they come in rest in you, O Lord.”** Remove our restless hearts, O God. Take away anxious thoughts. Give us wisdom throughout all of the events of today; great and small. Amen.

*These readings are from The Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church (USA). To read the assigned lesson of the day in a devotional manner simply means that you read it not to finish the reading itself but with the attitude that God is speaking to you in the reading. You may not finish the whole reading. A particular word or phrase may give you pause. If that happens, pause and reflect upon it. You need not finish the rest of the reading. Such a pause will not necessarily happen every day but when it does, enjoy the moment.)

**From St. Augustine’s Confessions.