25/10/2018 - THE MASTER KNOWS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING

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And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone). John 1:42

Andrew, brother to Simon, who was a disciple to John the Baptist, heard from his teacher that Jesus was the Lamb of God that would take away the sin of the world.  Therefore he decided to follow The One who was awaited.  It is important to note that John was not upset when two of his disciples left him.  This would be true of any leader who lost one of his so that the work of the Lord might be enriched. All of us are servants of the Most High, therefore, nothing should annoy us. 

The Lord turned and saw that they followed Him, so He asked what they were seeking.  The answer came by way of a question: Where do you live? (John 1:38.  It was evident that they sought Him.  Jesus then answered them: Come and see,and they stayed with Him that day. The day was almost ending, but what they discovered would never end.  The call of the Lord to His Kingdom is something that must never be refused.

Andrew did not remain at Jesus’s side, for he felt that he should seek Simon his brother – that probably did not belong to the group of John’s disciple – to speak about the Master.  The Almighty’s missions vary from person to person, and it is good and wise to execute them promptly.  Always follow the directions of the Holy Spirit.  It is important to obey the divine lead, so as not to exert effort in vain.  God is the Lord!

Andrew had no time to lose. Then, when he found his brother, he told him that he had found the Messiah and took him to Jesus.  No doubt, everything was directed by God.  On seeing Andrew’s brother, the Master said that he was Simon, son of Jonah. What precise information Christ used to show we can also be used to reveal His will to many! But are we prepared for the ministry? Jesus gave us the example to do as He did.

The Lord not only changed Simon’s heart but also his name.  Jesus does this to those who come unto Him sent by the Father.  The new name has to do with the work that God has planned and wants to do in favor of humanity.  He takes His servants to the various sectors of the mission.  Of one thing we can be sure: the Almighty will never refuse to answer us, as long as we are carrying out the conditions set for in His Word. God and His Word are one!

A new ministry began there giving great joy to the Kingdom of Heaven, as many others should give.  However, unfortunately, the devil has been able to steal many from being faithful to the  Lord, and consequently many live as if insane, being drawn into all sorts of sin.  Later, Peter wrote that the judgment would begin with the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). It is already time to wake up, is it not?  Keep watch and pray in order to not fall into temptation.

Simon was renamed to be called Cephas, which means a stone.  No matter what Name the Lord gives you, be faithful to the mission that He entrusts to you.  Do nothing that is sinful or in self-interest. Be faithful unto the end because we will all come before His throne in Christ’s court to be judged for our works – whether good or evil. May God bless you!

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares