The Encourager
“Be an Andrew”
Be An Andrew
by Heath Rogers
Little is known about the apostles that aren’t named Peter, Paul, James, and John. However, there is an interesting trait that shows up in the life of the apostle Andrew, the brother of Peter.
It was Andrew who first brought Peter to the Lord. “One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:40-42). We don’t know much about Andrew, but there wouldn’t be an apostle Peter if it hadn’t been for Andrew.
We know that Jesus fed the multitude of five thousand people with a small lad’s five loaves and two fishes. It was Andrew who brought the lad to Jesus. “One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ‘There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’” (John 6:8-9).
During the week before our Lord’s crucifixion, there were some Greeks in Jerusalem who wanted to see Jesus. “Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus” (John 12:20-22). Although the Lord did not allow this meeting to take place, Andrew had put forth an effort to bring them to Jesus.
We need more people like Andrew – followers of Jesus who try to bring others to the Lord. There are still people who are looking for the light in this dark world; people who are looking for the truth amidst a sea of error; people who are seeking their soul’s salvation. We need to be in the business of looking for those who are looking. We need to be bringing people to Jesus.
Prayer, Providence, and Open Doors
by Joe R. Price
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:2–6, NKJV)
Paul urged Christians to rely on the power of prayer and divine providence to spread the gospel. Thankful hearts are alert to blessings from God’s hand (v. 2). Trusting in God’s foresight and provisions, we pray for open doors (access, opportunity) for God’s word to reach hearts and lives. We pray for those who walk through those doors and teach others (3). Paul relied on brethren praying for him. Although in prison, he yearned for their prayers so that he (and they) would use wisdom in speaking the gospel to the lost. While God opens doors for the gospel, we must be wise, prudent, and gracious in choosing our words. Time is precious, so use it properly. Doors of spiritual opportunity are too often closed by impulsive words and unwise actions. So, let us work on aligning our motive (“to answer each one”) with well-placed, gracious words of truth. When we do, we trust God will work through us for His glory (Phil. 2:12-13).
