Verse-a-day 29 May 2012
Your Role in God’s Plan
Neville Turley
All things are done according to God’s plan and decision; God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. Ephesians 1:11 (GNB)
Lives of others can remind us that God has a plan for each one of us. It may not be what we ourselves have in mind or even what we want, but it is his will for our life.
The apostle, Andrew lived very much in the shadow of his brother, Simon (Peter). Peter was a man of action and a born leader. His recognition of Jesus as the Messiah was directly revealed to him by God the Father. This declaration led to Jesus saying: “Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church….” (Matthew 16:13-20) Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost and 3 000 people believed. (Acts 2:41) Peter even raised a dead woman to life. (Acts 9:40) Andrew’s ministry was nothing like this, yet he was key to Peter’s ministry.
What did Andrew do? Andrew led Peter to Jesus.
Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God so Andrew and another disciple went to see Jesus. At Jesus invitation, they spent the rest of the afternoon with him. (John 1:36-39)
Immediately thereafter Andrew found his brother, Simon (Peter) and told him. “We have found the Messiah.” (John 1:41) then he took him to Jesus.
It was Andrew who brought the boy with the five loaves of barley bread and two fish to Jesus. (John 6:8-9)
In Jerusalem when some Greeks approached Philip to see Jesus Andrew with Philip went and told Jesus. (John 12:20-22)
Andrew led people to Jesus. He was a vital part of God’s wonderful plan and purpose just as we are today.
We may in our own humble walk of faith lead people to Christ personally or indirectly by making a Bible available to someone who through its’ pages will meet Jesus.
What a privilege to be a Christian and be able to share the Gospel.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. give us the courage of our convictions so that we may share our faith with others and bring glory to your name. For Jesus Sake. Amen.