With No Hesitation
Jacob is a music teacher and the worship pastor at Christ Church Summerfield.
John 4:40-41, 43-45 (NLT)
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means ‘Christ’).
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Come, follow me.’ Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’
Given Gas Street’s focus this term on what it looks like to 'scatter' the good news, we begin this week by looking to Scripture for God’s direction on how to do it.
I don’t know about you, but I often find the topic of faith coming up on my Uber journeys, possibly because I’m most often in them when I’m running late to church! Whether I’m speaking to Muslim drivers about what a church service looks like or Seventh-Day Adventists about the contrast between different denominations, it’s typically quite easy for me to share. However, when it comes to the nitty gritty of the Gospel message and the call to follow Jesus, I hesitate. If and when I do finally decide to 'evangelise', the ride is over and I’ve missed the opportunity.
What immediately strikes me in this passage, is the speed at which this news of Jesus is spread. As soon as Andrew learns of the Messiah’s presence, he tells his brother, Simon Peter. Then, as soon as Philip knows, he tells his friend, Nathanael. Philip went immediately to look for Nathanael. There was no hesitation. What is it that stops us from sharing the Good News with this same urgency? Is it nerves? Fear of conflict? Embarrassment? Perhaps even laziness? Reflect on what might be your barrier for sharing the Gospel with those around you.
Think back to recent opportunities you’ve had to share your faith. Where are the places you feel God has called you to share the Good News? Who are the people on your heart to share the Good News with? How can you pray so that next time the Spirit urges you to talk to someone about Jesus, you can do as these disciples did, and do so without hesitation?
Prayer - Lord, help me to tell people about Jesus without hesitation.