These scriptural reflections by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok are copyrighted, but you are free to reproduce them for your own noncommercial personal or church use. Other uses require permission of the author, who may be reached at revsandyb@aol.com.

"One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said…"We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said…" John 1:40-42a

Very little is said about Andrew in this gospel, but he too has an intriguing spiritual profile to ponder. He is mentioned here and in John 6:8. Andrew offers us a picture of spiritual generosity. As soon as he found the Messiah, he searched for his impulsive brother. Andrew knew his brother also hungered for a fuller and more satisfying life with God. He refused to be satisfied with only telling Simon. He then took the time to personally bring his brother to meet Jesus face to face. Andrew's spiritual generosity and caring changed both his brother's life and world history. Jesus looked closely at Simon before saying a few nourishing words that transformed and challenged him to live a life of spiritual greatness.

God reaches out through us. There are many people searching for inner peace, meaningful lives and relationships with God. Consider quietly and graciously sharing your faith story and experiences with someone when opportunity comes your way. Sharing your faith is an important part of discipleship. There are times when we will share our experiences with friends and family members, just like Andrew did with his brother Simon Peter. Then there will be times when God will use us in spiritual conversations with complete strangers.

Years ago, I lived in Miami, Florida. I loved going to South Beach for sunsets and walks. A favorite spot was at the mouth of the harbor entrance. Huge swells would crash on the breakers. Many small boaters would bravely ride the waves amidst larger boat traffic. I especially loved watching the huge cruise ships and freighters entering and leaving the harbor. Seeing all that activity was energizing. It was a popular place for people of all ages.

One evening the sunset seemed especially marvelous. I remember gazing at the beautiful sky with delight and awe. "Oh God," I thought, "this is so beautiful that I would like to share it with someone. I would like to tell someone about you." Suddenly a young man left a group of his friends and approached me. "Excuse me," he shyly asked, "but can you tell me about God?" I was flabbergasted and completely surprised by God. I had never seen this man before. He was a total stranger. While that young man's friends laughed and joked nearby, we had a quiet talk about knowing the God who painted the sunset with such grace and beauty night after night. The stranger left as quietly as he had approached. As he and his friends left the beach, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude that God had used me of all people, to share a little bit about Jesus with a stranger.

God delights to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. God will bring divine appointments and conversations our way when we are open to them. God does not expect us to convert, manipulate or pressure people into making decisions. But God does expect us to share our experiences with those who are searching for God. Just as God used Andrew to reach Simon, God can use you too. There are people who will be interested in hearing about God through your personal experiences with Jesus.

God will bring you into divine appointments. Prayerfully share your personal experience in God. Share what you know about the Amazing One, Jesus the Christ. Trust God to do the rest. Sharing our faith experiences with God is a part of discipleship (God's Heartbeat). God welcomes everyone into this new life through Jesus Christ (God's Heartbeat Part 2).

Prayer: God, thank you for Andrew's spiritual profile. Through his example, teach us how to live spiritually generous lives, sharing our faith journey with other seekers. Amen.