The Apostles: Andrew, Part Three

Last time we mentioned that Andrew the disciple became Andrew the teacher at the very first introduction to “The LAMB of GOD!” What was his lesson that day? Who was his pupil? Why does it matter? His pupil was his own brother, Simon Peter. His lesson was not taught in a classroom. He did not stand behind a pulpit of some cathedral or proclaim from the mountain tops. He did not ‘wax eloquent’ as an orator might speak. He simply called to his brother, then led him to CHRIST. However, his lesson was indeed profound; powerful, clear and to the point. “We have found the MESSIAH!” Why do I consider that statement to be a powerful lesson? First, it is a lesson about faith. Andrew didn’t need to get his theology degree to recognize who JESUS was. He didn’t need to sit through endless debates. He simply surmised his belief that JESUS was the MESSIAH from one phrase out of the mouth of his teacher, “Behold the LAMB of GOD!” Second, Andrew displays a measure of humility. He did not make sole claim for having discovered the MESSIAH. He said, “WE have found the MESSIAH!” He included his friend and business partner, John, a son of Zebedee. Third, well, HE’S the MESSIAH! Is there a better lesson? This would indicate that Andrew was educated in some way in the prophecies of Scripture. Somehow, the statement, ‘LAMB of GOD’ encapsulated all the MESSIANIC promises into one short phrase. Andrew was not just some dumb hick who smelled like fish. This man continued to be a teaching disciple. While JESUS was on the earth, Andrew carried the Gospel message of the Kingdom to others. If traditions hold true, he continued in that mission to his martyrdom. There is something beautiful about leading another person to CHRIST. As Isaiah wrote, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings Good News, who publishes Peace, who brings Good News of happiness, who publishes Salvation, who says to Zion, “Your GOD reigns.” JESUS once washed Andrew’s feet with water. But it wasn’t water that made them beautiful, it was the Gospel of JESUS.

Russell Ashby

The Apostles: Simon Peter Cephas-What’s for Dinner! (Copy)

Last time we talked about Peter and his keys. In Acts 10, we saw that Peter was chosen to be the one who helped open the doors of the Church for the Gentiles. How the LORD called Peter is very interesting. He was on the roof of a house praying when he got hungry. I can hear him asking, “What’s for dinner? Kosher, I’m sure.” The LORD uses this situation to send Peter a vision. It was in that vision that a sheet full of unclean animals were offered to him. “Get up, Peter, kill and eat.” a voice commanded. Peter said, “No LORD, I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice responded, “Do not call anything impure that GOD has made clean.” I think this would be natural for a person who was dedicated to Jewish doctrine, a part of the LAW of Moses. Peter had never disobeyed that LAW. Here’s the kicker, though. The LORD did this three times, yet Peter still did not fully understand the vision. It is interesting that there seems to be an association with Peter and the number three. Once Peter had entered the house of Cornelius, full of his Gentile friends, Peter understood the vision. I know how easy it is to get hung up on a pet dogma. I also know how hard it can be to change when another way is taught. On the positive side, it is good not to easily fall for other teachings. It is not good when we are shown a better way, more accurate teaching, yet still keep a stubborn hold on our much less accurate view. When my beliefs are challenged, it forces me to go back and restudy what the Bible actual says. I’m not easily taken in. If I finally see that my understanding was flawed, I then accept the better way. Like Peter, we all get hungry. I hope we stay hungry and keep searching the Holy Scriptures for the Truth. At the table of the LORD, GOD’S WILL is our portion. I hope we are all dedicated to understanding HIS WILL. It’s, ‘What’s for Dinner.”

Russell Ashby