The Strong, yet Quiet Leader {Andrew}
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)
Do you know someone who leads by simply being present? Or, do you know someone who always shows up at just the right time with the right words or kind actions?
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, followed John the Baptist. He was following and learning from John the Baptist when Jesus appeared to John. John the Baptist recognized Jesus and introduced Him to his followers,
Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:29
Afterwards, Andrew immediately found his brother Simon and introduce him to Jesus.
Andrew’s name actually means “man” or “of a man,” in other words, he was considered “manly.” He lived up to his name with bold actions. He was quietly confident, sturdy in his faith, and intentional in his relationships.
Andrew was also known for seeing the details and acting where there was a need.
When he could not meet the need, he saw Jesus’ ability to meet the need.
Many people began following Jesus and at one point there were five thousand hungry people. To our eyes the situation seemed impossible, but to God all things are possible. Andrew’s heart was bent towards Jesus. Although he could not see foresee the miracle, he pointed out the boy with the five barley loaves and two fish.
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ John 6:8-9 (ESV)
Impossible situations present themselves in our lives so that we can see we need God.
Jesus used the five barley loaves and the two fish to feed five thousand people.
…with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Andrew shared his faith by looking for the needs and being intentional in his relationships.
…not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Ephesians 6:6 (ESV)
From the life of Andrew we can see every little action counts: phone calls, messages to let someone know we care and God cares, small acts of service, and time. There are needs all around us. All we have to do is open our hearts to see the needs. Andrew met needs and shared his faith in order for others to meet his Savior.
Some people lead by teaching large groups, others lead by focusing on each relationship within the large group and meeting individual needs.
Andrew let God do amazing things through him and lives were changed. Will you ask God to open your heart to see a need today?
God uses our small actions to change lives.
MacArthur, John. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You. Nashville, TN: W Pub.
Group, 2002. Print.
Basking in His Light
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