“Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (John 14:8)
People follow other people for innumerable reasons! Some follow because they are infatuated with the charisma of someone … while others follow because of their vast knowledge on a particular subject(s). Still others follow simply because others follow!
In one of the scenes recorded by the Apostle John in chapter 6 is an interesting and revealing a conversation that struck right to the core of life’s biggest questions: Was Jesus really and truly the Son of God and if so, what must I do to be a follower of Him?
So … the logical and more imperative questions that each of us must address in our heart of hearts is this: Do I believe, and what do I believe? Is it only that there was a man in fleshly form that went around saying wise things and doing good deeds? Or is it that I am truly convinced in my heart that the affirmation the Apostle Peter made in John 6:68 is true, “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”
Peter and the other apostles had reached the conclusion through being in His presence, listening to His words, and witnessing His wonderful, amazing and miraculous deeds. And the same Apostle could then exclaim, “Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:69)
Revelation of God’s Word has been completed … there are no new revelations on the horizon. If we find ourselves being guilty of looking for additional miracles, signs and wonders … we will be sadly disappointed!
Rather than being disappointed, let each of us be approachable, teachable and in possession of a good and honest heart to seize the testimony already available and resolve to grow, mature and acquire an even better knowledge and familiarity with our God, His only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit.
Consider thoughtfully the following directives appropriate for every follower … every disciple of Jesus Christ:
Open unto me, light for my darkness
Open unto me, courage for my fear
Open unto me, hope for my despair
Open unto me, peace for my turmoil
Open unto me, joy for my sorrow
Open unto me, strength for my weakness
Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion
Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins
Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness
Open unto me, love for my hates
Open unto me, Thy Self for myself
Lord, Lord, open unto me!
Howard Thurman, from “Meditations of the Heart” (November 18, 1899 – April 10, 1981)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
PS: So how’s the daily Bible reading, meditation and reflection coming along in your life?
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