Devotion - Wednesday, August 22

For those of you new to the list (or whom I haven't previously told) I follow an appointed set of readings.  Established by the Church, and shared across the decades and around the world, these appointed readings ensure that one does not pick and choose their favorite verses, but in a systematic way move through all of scripture.  Sometimes, as for today, there is a coming together of appointed texts and the events which lie before us.

The appointed Gospel reading for today is John 1:29-42.  It is about the first disciples.  

John is one who has been sent by God, to prepare the way for Messiah.  When he sees Jesus, he sees the One for whom he has been waiting.  He tells two of his disciples, "That is him."  These two approach Jesus.  

Jesus asks them, "What do you seek?"  The reply they give is "Where are you staying?"  He says to them, "Come and see."

With no more of an induction, with no question with regard to what they believe, they become Jesus' first disciples.  They stay with him that first day and all the days which follow.

I am a strong believer in study and learning.  We need to learn as much as we can about Jesus, about God, and about God's Word.  But the mark of discipleship is simply following.  It is being in the presence of Jesus.

I have spoken of this reality so many times in the past few days, as I welcome new students to Clemson and as I spoke with returning students about their eagerness to be reunited at campus ministry events.  It is not believing the right things or saying the appropriate phrases that defines Jesus' disciples - it is following.  We learn, as we follow, what he does and what he seeks to teach us.

Upset and hurt by events in these first few days back, a student said to me, "I just need to find some new friends."  They need not be "new," but the friends we keep ought to be those who will help us live into the future God has for us.

"Come and see."  This was Jesus' invitation.  This is our invitation.  This is our opportunity to discover the wonder and the grace which God has in store for us.