The Disciple Andrew and his brother Peter were the first to follow Jesus. He and Peter were fisherman and together they were partners in the fishing business with James and John. You will recall that Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me,” and I will make you fishers of men.” Andrew may have fished for a living but he lived to introduce people to Jesus.
It was Andrew who introduced the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus. When the Greeks said “We want to see Jesus” it was Andrew who made it happen. Later, it was Andrew who preached the Gospel in Scythia, along the Black Sea and Dnieper River and as far away as Kiev. In time he became a Patron Saint of Ukraine, Romania and Russia. According to tradition he founded work in Constantinople and Istanbul. He died a martyrs death being tied (not nailed) to a cross for three days.
To be remembered for being the person who introduced others to Jesus is quite remarkable. To have the zeal for preaching the Gospel to as many people as possible is notable. Andrew loved Jesus and he loved people. He spent his life bringing the two together. Is not that also our responsibility as Christians? We are at our best when we, like Andrew, introduce people to Jesus.
Introducing people to Jesus does not come automatically. Introducing people to Jesus has to be intentional. Introducing people to Jesus has to be a lifestyle. All that is required is to love Jesus and love people and do our best, like Andrew, to bring the two together.
In His Love,
Charles
