Jay D Weaver's Thought for the Week

He Comes to Us

During the advent season we remember when Jesus came to us in the form of a baby. We also look to the completion of his kingdom. Most importantly, however, is that we recognize him when he comes to us in our daily living.

Mark begins his gospel with the account of Jesus' baptism. Then he immediately follows with this account of Jesus choosing his first followers: As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18

We notice several things here: (1) His ministry was never a solo venture, but involved others from the beginning. (2) He asked for a commitment from those men and they responded accordingly, and (3) they had no idea what lay before them. Yet they followed him.

In the same way Jesus continues to come to each of us in our own time and asks us to follow him. We are free to either reject that invitation or to make our own commitment to the task he would have us fulfill. We know not what we will experience, but like the disciples of old, through those experiences we will learn to know him.

Albert Schweitzer was a missionary in Africa, a medical doctor, an organist, and a theologian. He wrote a book entitled, "The Quest of the Historical Jesus." In that book he wrote the following passage based on Mark's account, which describes so beautifully this whole concept:

He comes to us as one unknown,
     as of old by the lake side he came to those men who knew him not.
He speaks to us the same words: "Follow thou me,"
     and sets us to the tasks he would have us fulfill in our time.
He commands, and to those who obey him,
     whether they be wise or simple,
He will reveal himself;
     in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings
     they will pass through in his presence,
And as an ineffable mystery,
     they will discover in their own experience,
     who He is.

- Albert Schweitzer from "The Quest of the Historical Jesus. "

Prayer: God of Presence, you have always found ways to make yourself known to your children. We thank you for sending us Jesus of Nazereth who gave us the invitation to follow him. We get so busy and involved with our own lives that we often miss his coming. Help us step back from the immediacy of our own problems so that we might recognize him and learn what he would have us do. Give us the strength and endurance to complete the tasks that he gives to each of us. And, in the end may we finally learn who he is. Amen.

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