John Chapter 1: Verses 35-37 (NIV)
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
John did not get upset when two of his disciples left him to follow Jesus. John did as he was supposed to – he pointed them to Jesus and they took John’s direction and followed Him.
When we take someone under our wing, be it family, a friend, or a new member of our church, and we encourage and support them when they take the first steps on their faith journey, the time should come when they are strong enough to follow Jesus for themselves. Our job then should be to rejoice and let them do just that. John had taught his disciples well, but he always said he was just the messenger.
So, when those we have nurtured and supported go off on the next part of their faith journey, we should be happy that we have done our part in pointing them to Jesus. And if their faith journey takes a different direction from ours, the main thing is for us to keep our eyes on where Jesus wants us to go – He will look after the others too.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the wisdom shown by John. He let His disciples follow Jesus for themselves and didn’t get upset when they left. He had taught them well. Help me to remember that I too am just a messenger, and to rejoice when people head off on their own journey with Jesus, even if it takes them in a totally different direction from me. I ask in Jesus’ Name, and for Your glory. Amen.