Moments for the Heart

A Realization

Something hit me this week as I was reading devotions. John pointed to Jesus and told his followers, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?” (John 1:29) Immediately, they began to follow Jesus. One of these men was Andrew. He ran and grabbed his brother Simon. We better know him as Peter. At this point, there is at least one, if not two, of Jesus’ disciples who have heard from John’s teaching that Jesus was destined for more than someone to overthrow an earthly kingdom, as some had anticipated. He was destined for more.

The Testimony

Andrew had heard the words from John the Baptist’s own testimony, ‘takes away the sin of the world.’ So, he must’ve known there was more to what Jesus was there for. I suppose they got lost in verse 34 when they heard ‘the Chosen One,’ which meant the Messiah—the one who would save the Jews. And being under Roman rule for so long, they had been blinded to Savior, meaning release from captivity, just as Moses saved the Israelites from Pharaoh. But He was destined for more.

The Realization

Andrew brought Peter, and Jesus called the rest of his crew, all of them seeking the Savior. Jesus taught them plainly, but they could not see it. He led them, and they followed, but they chose their own way because they wanted to see Him on the throne now, not in a tomb. It led them to scatter when he gave himself up, but it was for a greater purpose. They were blinded to the truth but would eventually see when fire came from heaven and ignited their souls to see He was destined for something more.

The Calling

“Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The call still echoes today. He lived, and he walked with those twelve men. Then he died. He hung on the cross for you and me. It is finished. He died for our sins. But the best thing is that he rose again three days later, conquering death and sin and, yes, taking away the sin of the world. He was destined for more.

The Choice

Our sin is no more when we believe in Him—taken away. We are washed clean. Like Andrew, we run to others when we find Jesus and tell others that we have found the one who saves us. Not because we have to, not because it is the right thing to do, but because He changes us, and we feel compelled to. Like John the Baptist felt when he saw Jesus. His mere presence ignited something inside of him that excited him. “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!!”

The Fulfillment

I can see him as he points with joy and excitement. He had been waiting his entire life for that moment. To have it become a reality… WOW!! Just like John. Just like Jesus, you and I are destined for something more. We have a purpose in life. What that is is not for me to tell you. God will let you know what that is. Heh, you may already know what that is. Your job is to fulfill it. You are destined for something more. Praise God, now go fulfill it!!

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash