John 1:35-42
After Andrew and an unnamed disciple heard John the baptist point Jesus out as the Passover Lamb, they walked away from John to follow Jesus. As Jesus became aware that He was being followed, he turned and asked them point blank, “What do you seek?”
What do you think Andrew and company were seeking? Do you think they really just wanted to know where Jesus was staying that night? Perhaps, but these were two men who were hanging out with John the Baptist, a man who was at odds with the religious establishment. John was one who, in the context of dramatic change, was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The citizenry had concluded he was, at the very least, a great prophet and possibly even the Messiah.
One thing about these two new Jesus-followers was that they for sure knew they were sinners. The expanded and meticulous Law they lived under and its stewards, the Pharisees, made sure they did not forget that. That surely accounts, at least in part for their association with John – one who was announcing forgiveness. No doubt these men were also familiar with King David’s Psalms. I think it’s likely God had used the Psalms, and other parts of the Law and the Prophets, to provoke and awaken a fundamental question in their hearts; “Is there not more?”
In their search for “more” they found themselves in the company of men who the establishment, and even the citizenry (in Jesus’ case), would not ultimately tolerate. Yet, the idea that this Jesus could somehow enable them to stand clean before their God made the risk of associating with Him worth it. I believe a living seed was pushing up through the soil in Andrew and his friend’s heart and presented itself on this day in the form of a question, a question first experienced as a weariness with religion and a hunger for authentic relationship with God.
I believe questions within our hearts are signs that God is drawing us. Note: It is a troublesome thing though when our questions are leading us outside the boundaries of established religious customs and the assumptions that underlie and drive them. For those who continue to follow Jesus, it is probable that this will happen for them too because one thing establishments do not handle well are “questions”. The right hand of fellowship is usually not extended to question-askers. They will be censored or ushered to the back door of the establishment and shown the broad opportunities that await them outside.
If God is changing His Bride from what she is today to who she shall be when He reveals her as the glorious reflection of Christ, it seems probable that much change is slated. Generally, I believe questions precede transformation. While minor changes might result from questions asked from within the establishment about itself and its organization; the larger new wineskin -level changes will come from men responding to the same question Jesus asked the first disciples and continues to ask old disciples, “What do you seek?”.
I watched a Russian film with english subtitles called Stalker. A “stalker” was leading two men into a place where their very innermost desire would be met. It caused me to think that our innermost desire is also the main thing of importance between us and God. Isn’t it this very thing that will be revealed when we ultimately stand before Him and give account of our lives; where nothing that was hidden will remain so? This leads me to the assertion ; Why we do what we do is a BIG deal. That is why I believe God continually asks us, “What is it that you want?”.
As the essential questions arise, which the expansion of God’s kingdom inevitably provokes, may we not spend our primary energies pointing our fingers at the establishment for its failings, rather let us each learn to listen to the questions God is asking us personally, so that when we we give Him our answer it will simply be, “I have done these things because I have loved you and simply could not bear the thought of separation from You”. In the “school of Christ”, which meets daily in the context of our hearts, with all its current relationships and circumstances, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit is endeavoring to tutor us into a passionate experiential love affair with God.
Father, may Your Spirit succeed in this tutoring of our hearts – exposing us where we are doing good things for our own inferior reasons. May we be those who are willing to pay the price if we find ourselves at odds with the establishment. May we persevere in this education You are offering where our heart’s motivations are revealed and refined to reach an eternity-grade of quality. Amen.
Warning; if you are looking for a movie that gives you that warm You’ve Got Mail kind of feeling, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT watch “Stalker”.