Tom's a thorough shopper when it comes to making big decisions like insurance, electronics, appliances, computers, and cars. I'm thankful he has the patience to research so he knows a good buy when he sees it. The day Addy was born, someone ran into Tom and Nick and totalled our Avalon, the one we brought Nick home from the hospital in which proves Tom's shopping pays off. As Tom started shopping for a new-to-us vehicle he found some deals online that were obvious scams, too good to be true. He didn't bother to go kick the tires on those but, when he found a car he considered a good buy he checked the Car Fax, test drove it twice, asked questions, and priced all of the minor repairs needed to put it in great shape before we purchased it and drove it home. Two disciples of John the Baptist, Andrew and Philip, had heard him say time and again that Someone greater was coming after him. When John pointed Jesus out to them, saying, "Look, the Lamb of God!" (John 11:36) they decided to "kick the tires."
Jesus saw them following Him and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, 'Rabbi!' (which means Teacher), 'where are You staying?'
'Come,' He replied, 'and you will see.'
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with Him."
These two disciples were in serious pursuit of someone whe knew how to navigate the life's dangerous highway. They had followed John the Baptist as far as he could lead them and now needed to test drive Jesus to see if He was too good to be true or Someone Who knew the Way. After one day with Him they were sold:
"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah'that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus." (John 1:40-42)
"Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about Whom the prophets also wrote -- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.'" (John 1:44-45)
Sometimes I'm afraid most believers are still kicking the tires and trying to decide whether to call Jesus our own or just rent Him like a limo for weddings and funerals and a tow truck when we get stuck in a ditch. We use Him like any other thing, when we need Him or want to show Him off, but not every day, not every hour. Jesus has other plans, plans that determine our daily lives. He immediately gave Simon a new name and map and He promised Nathanael a spectacular view and more than he bargained for as a disciple of the Son of Man. If we haven't gotten more than we bargained for in Jesus, we're probably still kicking the tires instead of buckled in the passenger's seat, sold on Him.
Father, give every one of us believers today more than we bargained for. You've given us ample time to decide: may we strap in and follow You anywhere. If today means a new name or purpose: name us, commission us. If today means seeing You in all Your Glory, open our eyes and help us look long and hard. If today means telling someone how wonderful You are - how You bless us and how You're worth any sacrifice - open our mouths and speak through us. Don't let us settle for a rental mentality where You're considered. May we let You own us heart and soul as we take You home for keeps.
In the Name of Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God, Worthy of all praise and adoration
Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest
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