Called by Jesus (John 1:40-51)

Today's scriptures: John 1:40-51

In these verses, Jesus called the first four of the disciples. It appears that Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist, but when he saw Jesus, he knew He was the Messiah. Andrew immediately went to his brother, Simon Peter, and "brought him to Jesus."

I love the next "calling." Jesus "purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me.'" While Andrew found Jesus and brought Peter to Him, Jesus purposefully sought Philip and called him directly.

Then after Philip chose to follow Jesus, he too brought someone to his Messiah: Nathanael. And I love what Jesus says to him: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Can you imagine how Nathanael must have felt when the Messiah Himself said such words? Nathanael knew Jesus was the "Son of God ... the King of Israel."

Oh, to have had the experience of Jesus' personal calling.

Guess what? We too have been personally called by Jesus. Each one of us has been wooed to be His follower. The Bible tells us that we have been called by name (Isaiah 43:1-2). We have been "called in righteousness" (Isaiah 42:6). Now these verses in Isaiah were written to the people of Israel, but I believe they apply to all of us. If there's any doubt, however, we Gentiles are also "called by [His] name" (Acts 15:17).

Each of us has been called to follow Christ. Each of us is His disciple. Each of us has a purpose: to glorify God and serve Him with all that we are.

Have you accepted Jesus' calling on your life? Have you surrendered your life to His purpose? I can guarantee that none of the first twelve (with the notable exception of Judas Iscariot) regretted following Jesus' call. And neither will you.