Perhaps in the scheme of life the small things really do matter more. However, when we look back on our lives what we remember most are the big things. The singular events of our lives. A first kiss or the first kiss that really mattered! The first day on a new job or at a new school. Our first house. You name it.
Focusing on these events leaves out most of our lives. The big things we remember because they were, well, memorable – they were unusual. But most of our lives are spent in the usual. Living our lives this way, leads us to talking about our 15 minutes of fame or always grasping at that one great achievement. We all know people like that and there is something inherently sad about those people.
I have to come understand that it really is the small things in life that are important. In our relationships, it is the little things that get overlooked, but it is these little things that keep the relationship active. Falling in love is a big deal. The first kiss is a big deal, but it is all the little things before and after that make for a lifetime of love.
In other words, most of us know that life is lived in the small stuff, but I have to admit the small stuff isn’t where the fun is. It is the small stuff that leads us to believe that we are ordinary.
Andrew’s story is often lost amidst the small stuff of the Gospels for his story is a story of nothing but small stuff.
Andrew literally means “manly” and this would seem fitting for him if not for the details we will discover. After all, Andrew was a fisherman. This was a trade not for the weak for this was net fishing – by hand! Andrew spent time with John the Baptist, the guy who wore camel’s hair clothing and ate locusts – now that is manly!
He was also Peter’s little brother. He and Peter shared a home in Capernaum, on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, where they presumably operated their fishing business. They were both originally from Bathsaida a nearby town.
At some point, Andrew took time away from fishing to follow and learn from John the Baptist. Andrew was actually one of John the Baptist’s disciples. He must have been continuing his search for the promised one because when Jesus came (He was there at Jesus’ baptism) he left John and began to follow Jesus.
Actually, Andrew is the first of the disciples. Andrew would then introduce his brother Peter to Jesus and shortly thereafter James and John, the sons of thunder would join Jesus. These four would become the inner circle for Jesus.
Andrew’s life as follower of Christ is one that is lost in the details, the small stuff. Andrew although part of the inner circle, does not go with Peter, James, and John to the mountaintop. He is not witness to the Transfiguration of Christ. Andrew is not invited to go with Jesus at Gethsemane. No Andrew’s life will be a story of sweatin’ the small stuff – the things that need to be done. His work will by and large go unnoticed. His work is the stuff that no one else seems to want to do.
Andrew’s story is the story of individual people, insignificant gifts, and inconspicuous service.
Andrew meets Jesus and his first act is to introduce Peter to Jesus. He must have lived in Peter’s shadow and here was his opportunity to shine, but instead he introduces Peter knowing what that would mean. Andrew begins his relationship with Jesus by putting a priority on other people and by introducing them to Jesus. Andrew will continue this activity throughout his life.
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:8-13 NIV
It is Andrew that recognizes the value of such a small gift. The gift was not large enough to accomplish the task at hand, but look at what was accomplished with such a little gift. Never underestimate the value of your gifts when put in the service of the Lord.
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." Philip went to tell Andrew . . . John 12:20-22 NIV
Why didn’t Phillip do this? This rings of “Get Andrew. He will do anything!” Perhaps, Andrew was the original – “Get Mikey, he’ll eat anything!” For me it signifies that Andrew was the one willing to do the jobs that others didn’t not want to do.
Including these 3 stories, Andrew is actually only mentioned 9 times in scripture. Despite his leadership role he is relegated to a minor role in the Gospels. Andrew is overshadowed by his brother Peter. Luke tells the story of the calling of the first disciples without even mentioning Andrew – now that is being left out! And nearly every mention of Andrew is done so with reference to the fact that he was Peter’s brother.
Was he slighted?
Was his role insignificant?
Did Andrew get overlooked?
If he did, then count me in with the small stuff for . . .
He was the first to hear Jesus was the Lamb of God
He witnessed the Baptism of Jesus
He heard a voice from Heaven
He was the first to follow Jesus
He was part of the inner circle of Jesus’ Friends
He spent intimate time with Jesus
He spent his life introducing people to Jesus
Andrew’s legacy may be lost in the shadows. Andrew’s legacy may be a list of individual people, insignificant gifts, and inconspicuous service.
By today’s standards, Andrew certainly chose the foolish things. In today’s world, he would not have been on stage, he would not have been the star, the focal point, the person at the center of attention . . .
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the things of this world that are common and looked down on. He chose what is not considered to be important to do away with what is considered to be important.I Corinthians 1:27-28 NIRV
Being available and willing is sometimes the only requirement needed in order to move from ordinary to extraordinary in God’s eyes. And that is the legacy of Andrew. A legacy of a life spent following Jesus. Give me the small stuff and I will willingly sweat the small stuff in service to Jesus.
Are you willing to sweat the small stuff and get lost in the details?
Be an Andrew this week: invite someone to church
Be an Andrew: discover the size of the gift doesn’t matter when it is given to God
Be an Andrew: find the time and/or talent to give to the church/community this week
(image from artwork by Martin Creed)
No comments:
Post a Comment