Behold the Lamb of God

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). John 1:35-42

We live in a place so far from a city that at night we can see the stars quite clearly. Some nights one can't help but look up and ponder the magnificence of the night sky. I have spent a life time nestled in the sand looking up, sometimes waiting for shooting stars but most often waiting for direction and peace. It is not the night sky in all her glory that can deliver those needs, not even grandmother moon and the dancing sisters. The night sky provides me a place to listen and to seek without the judgement of the world, or my own fears revealed.


The disciples of John followed Jesus and when Jesus asked them what they were seeking, they said they wanted to see where he was staying. They were fearful of the world's judgement and fearful all around. And Jesus understood and took them in and they stayed sheltered for the night. They woke with courage to follow him and courage to collect their siblings and friends. They had the courage to announce what they learned in the shelter of the darkness, the shelter of the night sky. That which began with fear and denial became an invitation to know God with courage and strength.

Today I ask God to renew my courage and strength as I step out in faith. There is so much overwhelming me right now, so much overwhelming so many. We seek renewal and shelter in the night sky and strength and courage for each new morning. We are being called away from the safety and the familiar. May we rejoice as did the disciples, no matter how anxious we might be, knowing we are following the lamb of God.