A Candle Of Contrast

…Can anything good come from there?”… “Come and see,”… John 1:46 (NIV) 

How often do preconceived notions keep us from life’s greatest adventures? I guess, if we think about it we can’t really know the answer to that question. John 1 holds a beautiful example of living the adventure, that could have been completely missed if they had given into preconceived notions. 

John 1:40 tells us Andrew heard a word about Jesus AND acted upon that word to go and follow Jesus! John 1:41 tells us the first thing Andrew does upon following Jesus, is to find his brother AND tell him the word. But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV) Andrew doesn’t stop at just the hearing or the going or the sharing of the word, Andrew brings others to Jesus (John 1:42)! 

Do our lives listen to the Word in a way that produces follow through/action on what we have heard? 

Do our lives present an invitation that is attractive to the outside world to come and see, to experience the Living Hope and joy we have that supersedes our situation and circumstances? 

Do our lives hold up a candle of contrast to the world’s way? “I am leaving you with a gift– peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT) 

Often our doubts, fears and preconceived notions hold us back from life’s grand adventures… we ask, … Can anything good come from there?” … John 1:46 (NIV) Can anything good come from there, here, me, them, that… ?! Dear one, if you hear nothing else today hear this…

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15 (NIV) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) 

Come and see dear one, come see and experience the Word, for you were built to be a candle of contrast in this world; reflecting the Light and love of Jesus! For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)