Find your own first!

Many of us have had the pleasure of welcoming a new baby into this world. It is a precious time. And many others have had the blessing of watching their own children welcome a new baby into the family. I believe this picture of 'Classy Clown' welcoming 'The Baby' is priceless! She was so proud to put her hands on her new brother. She watched me grow, she knew he was suppose to be a boy, referred to him by name, helped wash baby clothes, waiting patiently for him to arrive, but to FIND him in the flesh and pull him close beat all the rest! Now she could talk to him, share with him, take care of him. I was reminded of these sweet moments yesterday when I was reading some meditations authored by C. H. Spurgeon. He so eloquently stated exactly what I was trying to share on the last post. And so it read:

"He first findeth his own brother Simon" (John 1:41)

As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. One who has tasted of the honey of the gospel cannot eat it all himself. True grace puts an end to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon and then others. Andrew did well to begin with Simon. There are Christians who are giving away tracts at other people's houses who should give away a tract at their own. Some are engaged in works of usefulness overseas, but neglect their special sphere of usefulness at home. You may or may not be called to evangelize the people in any particular locality. But certainly you are called to look after your own relatives and acquaintances. Let your religion begin at home. Many merchants export their best commodities, but the Christian should not. He should be a bold witness for Christ everywhere. But let him be sure to put forth the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony in his own family. When Andrew went to find his brother, he could not have imagined how prominent Simon would become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews. Andrew was instrumental in bringing him to Jesus. You may be very deficient in talent yourself. But you may be the means of drawing one to Christ who will become strong in grace and service. You do not realize the possibilities which are in you. You may merely speak a word to a child who has a noble heart which will stir the Church in years to come. Andrew had only limited talents, but he found Peter. You go and do likewise. ~ C.H.S.

PRAISE POINT:

God is so timely in what He shares with us. He knew my thoughts were here and so he encouraged my heart with the writings of C.H.S.

Don't you love when He does that for you, too?

Andrew first found Peter. I don't know if Andrew was older than Peter but perhaps he was...and I can only imagine that as he held him in his arms for the first time he vowed to be a wonderful big brother, a protector, a teacher, a hero. If he was the younger, he most likely admired that big brother and would want to show him all his accomplishments, securing the affections of a proud big brother. Either way, they were family and when something good came along, they had to FIRST find each other to share it.


I envision that reception looking a little like this one. Helping Hand and Classy Clown holding The Baby. How heartwarming to see how these sweet sisters have lovingly received their new brother. Strong arms to hold him, chubby fingers to support his bobbling head, and a gentle kiss from the lips of one who vowed in her heart to share all she knew with him (and to a fault she has done just that!)


I grew up an only child so I don't understand that relationship completely (I have learned a lot through my four children though). So I don't have a biological 'brother' to find per se, but I have had the privilege of sharing the gospel with many families members. Four accepted the invitation. One is gone now but I know that the change in his life was a testimony to many. The others are my own children and I pray for their future usefulness and fruit. I've also had the privilege of sharing the gospel with a few others and to my knowledge those words fell on deaf ears but I continue to pray that another will come along and water the planted seed.


Dear Reader, may I encourage you to see who you can find today. Do you recall the brother or sister of your youth? Do they need Christ today? Who amongst your midst can you draw to Christ? Be in the habit of sharing the gospel, go find your brother. Pray for your interaction, pray for His words, for soft and receiving hearts. In your faithfulness, God will widen your sphere of influence and soon you will find yourself finding many brothers!



PRAYER POINT:

Lord, may you find us faithful as we look about and seek to "findeth our own brother." And may we rejoice as You draw them unto You. Help us to be bold and prepared at all times. To be purposeful in our words and actions. Guide us to those who need to hear about You. Lord make us mindful not to neglect our special sphere of usefulness at home. And Father may those we share with, accept You, follow You, and be strong in grace and service.