Jesus Calls Us

To the multitude, however, it seemed impossible that the One designated by John should be associated with their lofty anticipations.  That many were disappointed, and greatly perplexed.

The words which the priests and rabbis so much desired to hear thatJesus would now restore the kingdom to Israel, had not been spoken.  For such a king they had been waiting and watching; such a king they were ready to receive. But one who sought to establish in their hearts a kingdom of righteousness and peace, they would not accept.

On the following day, while two disciples were standing near, John again saw Jesus among the people. Again the face of the prophet was lighted up with glory from the Unseen, as he cried, "Behold the Lamb of God!"  The words thrilled the hearts of the disciples.  They did not fully understand them. What meant the name that John had given Him,--"the Lamb of God"? John himself had not explained it.  Leaving John, they went to seek Jesus.  One of the two was Andrew, the brother of Simon:  the other was John the evangelist.  These were Christ's first disciples, moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed Jesus,--anxious to speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the overwhelming significance of the thought, "Is this the Messiah?"

Jesus knew that the disciples were following Him.  They were the first fruits of His ministry, and there was joy in the heart of the divineTeacher as these souls responded to His grace.  Yet turning, He asked only, "What seek ye?"  He would leave them free to turn back or to speak of their desire.

Of one purpose only were they conscious.  One presence filled their thought.  They exclaimed,"Rabbi,. where dwellest Thou?"  In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which they longed  They desired to be alone with Jesus to sit at His feet, and hear His words.

"He saith unto them, Come and see.  They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day."

If John and Andrew had possessed the unbelieving spirit of the priests and rulers, they would not have been found as learners at the feet of Jesus.  They would have come to Him as critics, to judge His words  Many thus close the door to the most precious opportunities.  But not so did these first disciples.  They had responded to the Holy Spirit's call in the preaching of John the Baptist.  Now they recognized the voice of the heavenly Teacher.  To them the words of Jesus were full of freshness and truth and beauty.  A divine illumination was shed upon the teaching of the Old Testament Scriptures.  The many-sided themes of truth stood out in new light. 

It is contrition (repentance) and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from heaven.  Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone the loveth "Knoweth God." 1 John 4:7.

(Do you think Jesus is calling us to have a deeper and fuller relationship with Him.  I believe He is and I want to respond to that love and grace so freely given by Him.  Just like the disciples responded so many years ago.  Tomorrow we will learn how some of the other disciples responded to His call.  He is calling you and calling me, what will our answer be?  Grandma Joan.)  Taken from chapter 14 of the Desire of Ages.