|
Good morning, Saints, may you and your children be blessed in this New Year and influenced greatly by our Lord, Jesus Christ!
Today’s gospel verses are used in our church calendar for this upcoming Sunday, the second Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am hoping this might get you thinking about the verse before tomorrow’s Sunday service and how God’s Word may continue to guide and sustain you.
Jesus is an influencer! I would argue the most significant “Influencer” in the history of mankind. When applying Merriam-Webster’s definition I provided above, you may agree. However, the second part of the definition speaks to a modern emerging definition of a social media influencer. Jesus isn’t exactly selling an off-the-shelf product, and He didn’t have social media. He is generating interest in life, eternal life, promoting grace given by our Father - and although He isn’t posting it – it was messaged on a cross, costing His life for our sins. Very different and in stark contrast to the “influencers” in today’s world. The influencers our students, our children, by which are so very captivated.
A brief article on entrepreneur.com entitled, Gen Z's Main Career Aspiration Is to Be an Influencer, reports that according to a survey by decision intelligence company, Morning Consult, which surveyed over 2,000 adults in America, “57% of Gen Zers said they'd be an influencer if given the opportunity, compared to 41% of adults from all age groups.“ Further, “Gen Zers and millennials also believe influencers more now, with the report noting that ‘trust in social media influencers’ rose from 51% in 2019 to 61% in 2023. A majority (53%) of Gen Zers surveyed considered influencing a respectable career choice, and a similar percentage would be willing to leave their current jobs if they could sustain their lifestyle as an influencer. Remarkably, three out of ten young people would even invest in becoming influencers.”
Don’t misunderstand; I am not down on or against today’s social media influencers. In fact, this devotion is more aimed at followers, and especially followers of Jesus Christ. From what I read, many influencers make a lot of money influencing their followers, and they may lead a very exciting lifestyle.
The recent tagline that I saw resonated with me. It came from a movie trailer review from the recent release of the movie Influencer. I haven’t seen the movie, and I am unsure how the psychological thriller is rated, nor do I endorse it, but the tagline caught my attention: “Be careful who you follow.” Generally, I think that is sound advice. Perhaps super applicable to those who follow social media influencers. Our hearts and minds are malleable and influenceable; we need God’s peace and protection.
Paul says in Philippians 4:7, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Back to today’s devotional verses. Jesus was in Galilee looking for disciples. He finds Philip and, as an Influencer, says to him, “Follow me.” Philip finds Nathanael, the great skeptic, under a fig tree and declares to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (Jn 1:45). Nathanael isn’t as impressed as Phillip. Nathanael’s retort, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (Jn 1:46) Obviously, Nathanael's response demonstrated a complete lack of respect and faith in Jesus. It may be easy to pick on Nathanael for this, but if we’re honest, we do exactly the same thing at times. We are all sinners and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). I will reflect, and let you reflect, on examples in your own life.
God bless Philip; he was not deterred by Nathanael’s disrespect and skepticism; instead, he responded, “Come and see” in a winsome way. I am sure Nathanael was hoping his words and thoughts about Jesus wouldn’t get out, but Jesus, who was all-knowing, got right after the matter by calling him out, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Can you imagine how Nathanael’s heart must've stopped upon hearing he was found out? Further, Jesus identified where Nathanael and Philip were when Nathanael made this comment – under a fig tree. Nathanael must have flipped his cookies (was he overjoyed or needing to throw up?) when Jesus knew what he said and where he said it.
God knows what is on our hearts and in our minds at all times. Jesus knew Nathanael’s heart and thoughts. The Holy Spirit compelled Nathanael to believe, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus then let Nathanael know he hadn't seen anything yet, and even greater would be his reward yet to come, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Wow, what amazing and comforting words for all who believe!
Praise God that when we fall short, we have friends (influencers) like Philip who invite us to “come and see.” I pray, Saints, that we can be influencers like Philip to invite others to “come and see” Jesus. I thank God that when He knows what is influencing us – and sometimes it is not good – He has a plan of forgiveness. He gives us peace and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Most of all, I thank God for His grace and mercy in sending the ultimate Influencer of the world, Jesus Christ, into the world for the salvation of mankind. He came here for sinners who don’t deserve salvation but, by grace and forgiveness, may have it by faith. We know this for sure, Saints, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8. Amen!
We pray: Gracious and loving God, thank You for Your love and grace given in Jesus Christ, our ultimate Influencer. It is easy to become distracted by things in this world. Keep us focused on the cross, and like Philip, invite others to “come and see” Jesus. Keep us safe as we come and go, serving You daily and giving our attention to Jesus. In the holy name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
| 
