Take Them To Jesus

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus.  Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means "Christ").  Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.  Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John - but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter").

John 1:40-42

Andrew was first a disciple of John the baptist.  He was drawn in by John's wild teaching and his declaration of this Messiah who was to come and save everyone from sin.  One day as he was standing with some others, John declared, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!  When Andrew heard this he followed Jesus. (John 1:36-37)  John didn't have to do things to convince Andrew, he only spoke what was on his heart.  Andrew was drawn in by John's sincerity and his passion for this Messiah.  He wasn't forced to believe in the Messiah he chose to believe, and his belief came from one man who took the time to take him to Jesus.  In fact, Andrew was so convinced that he rushed to find his brother and brought him back to meet Jesus.  As Simon stood in front of Jesus he was immediately bonded with Him.  Jesus spoke to his heart and the rest was history.  

So often we get caught up in thinking it is our job to convince other's of Jesus Christ's existence.  We hold ourselves personally responsible to change people's hearts and we actually believe if we don't get them to change their ways that they will be lost.  This scripture is a reminder that we only need to live our lives out loud so that other's can see, giving them free choice to follow.  It isn't our responsibility to make people believe in God, or start up a relationship with Jesus.  Our task is to bring them to Jesus, just like the scriptures above.  Jesus will do the rest.  He will speak to their heart and He will perform His divine work in their lives.  

Friend, today if there is someone in your life that you are working over time with, trying to force God into his or her life, stop.  You are taking on a huge burden not meant for you.  You are just asked to live your life with God.  Share your God moments and your Jesus stories.  Live boldly with Jesus!  But remember, you can't make your friend choose what is right.  You can't force them to walk with Jesus, you can only bring them to Jesus, if they are willing, and then from there Jesus will take over.  

Dear God I hand over ___________________.  Help me to live my relationship with you out loud.  Give me boldness and confidence to stick you your commands and live like Jesus loving my friend who has difficulty believing in you.  Remind me that I can't, nor is it my job to, change my friend's heart.  Take this burden from me today and let me rest in Jesus' amazing power to touch his/her heart.  In Jesus' Name  Amen