ANDREW, GOD'S QUIET MISSIONARY

By Sonia A. Randall

Whenever Andrew is mentioned in the Bible, it is usually in a listing of the disciples or simply as the brother of Simon Peter. Nothing is known about his ministry after the Resurrection. There is no mention of a successful public preaching career like Peter's. No famous declarations are attributed to him except, "I have found the Christ!" which he exclaims to his brother, Simon Peter. But a quick review of several passages where he is mentioned tells us something both interesting and encouraging.

In three different situations Andrew is found introducing someone to Jesus. First there was his brother, Simon Peter (John 1:40-42), whose dramatic successes and failures have provided material for thousands of sermons. Think how different the early Church might have been if Peter had never met the Master!

When the crowds who had been following Jesus became hungry, it was Andrew who found the boy with the five loaves and two fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8-9). Andrew admitted the obvious -- that this wasn't much food among so many people --but it didn't discourage him. He simply brought the boy and his lunch to Jesus and left it in the Master's hands. Very likely he did not expect a miracle, but Jesus had compassion on the crowd and used the little that was available. In His hands it was enough.

Again it was to Andrew that Philip came when some Greek strangers wanted to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22). Andrew once again performed the introductions. We can only wonder why Philip didn't handle it himself. Andrew must have had an air of quiet competence and authority about him.

Though he lived his entire life in the shadow of his dynamic brother, Andrew probably continued his quiet ministry of introducing people to Jesus. Perhaps, like the Greek travelers, people were brought to him for that very purpose.

Not everyone can be a great evangelist like Peter and many are intimidated by the thought that God might expect them to imitate Peter. But to be like Andrew -- now that seems possible! It is very encouraging to realize that each act of love or kindness, which testifies to faith in Jesus Christ, has value. We still cannot predict what marvelous accomplishment God may bring out of it, but in His hands it will always be enough.

Sonia A. Randall writes from Corvallis, Oregon. Sonia@Randallclan.net