Across the Pastor’s Desk by Kenneth Jensen

 

Those who attend churches that follow the revised common lectionary will hear or read this Sunday the story of the first two disciples who become followers of Jesus, Andrew and Peter (John 1:35-42). In the verses which follow, two more, Philip and Nathaniel, will make the decision to follow Jesus.

Central to the two stories is the invitation by one person to another to meet Jesus. Andrew invites Peter and Philip will invite Nathaniel. 

It raises a question. In a society which is becoming increasingly secular, how do we, as followers of Jesus, inspire others to become believers in Christ?   

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and host of the TV series “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.”

Tyson’s ability to explain the wonders of the universe, from quasars and pulsars to supernovae and wormholes, has enamored young people, many of whom have written him concerning questions about religious beliefs.

When asked how he answers their questions, he said his response is based upon whatever is their perception of truth. (How he does this I can only surmise.)

One understanding he defined as “personal truth.” It is the rock-solid belief which no one can take away, such as a belief the world was created in six days.

Another is “political truth.” When something is repeated often enough, individuals believe what others tell them, whether it is true or not.

Finally, there is “objective truth.” Based on measurable data and observations repeatedly tested and verified, it is true whether one believes it or not.

As to the various ways in which people perceive truth, how can one invite another to “meet” Jesus? 

Andrew was inquisitive, wanting to learn more from Jesus.

To him Jesus said “Come and see.” 

When Nathaniel questioned, “Can anything good could come out of Nazareth (Jesus’ home town),” Philip replied, “Come and see.”   

Come and see. As a parish pastor, I would join the kids for a week at Bible camp. Around the campfire, we joyously sang “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love.”

A primary reason why the early church flourished and grew was because outsiders looking in observed how they loved one another.

The late President George H.W. Bush wrote his pastor, “Preach Christ always and sometimes use words.”

Words inviting others merely “to come” can be insufficient. Hearts are opened when others “come and see.”

Kenneth Jensen is a retired ELCA pastor living in Albert Lea.