Real Talk with Roderick Barnes
Now and Later
--- The Gospel According to John Chapter 1 Verses 40 through 42 ---
40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first foundhis own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone).
When the Lord is introduced to Simon, the fishermen, it is indicated that the invitation and that the invited men are all a part of a plan. What initially looks like human initiative on the part of Andrew is eventually revealed to be heavens idea. Upon seeing the fishermen Jesus declares who Simon is and the now of that moment and who he will be later. And that now he's Simon the fishermen son of Jonah. That's not a particularly impressive summary. But, on a more personal level it convays the Lords knowledge of men. Apart from anybodies testimony he knows who he is the son of. He knows what he does. Then there is the declaration of future things. Simon shall be called Cephas.
Now in the absence of miracles that prove Jesus to know the hidden things of the present and the outcome of future events, that statement must have been more than a little arbitrary. It maybe even came across as arrogents. I can imagine Simon thinking "who do you think you are telling me what I will be called in the future". But it too in a future time on a personal level would speak volumes of hope to a man who's loyalty was later to be found to be wanting.
Simon is going to become a follower and he's going to pledge allegiance to Jesus, but he's going to fail. He's going to fail miserably, but Jesus speaks about those things that are not in the light of the fact that he knows one day they will be. Where many would be willing to write off Simon because he deserted Jesus in his greatest time of need. Jesus sees in the distance when his devotion would be the stuff of legend. And he keeps on investing in him. Indeed Jesus declared in the new name Cephas (which is translated as Stone) that one day the man would be stallwart, staying the course in the face of threats even as he is lead to his own crucifixion.
Just like Simon, the Lord knows you now and later. Jesus knows who you have been, who you are and who his grace can make you to be. The journey toward a life that is the stuff of legend begins with accepting his invitation now. How? It cannot be any simpler than the decision to place the treasure of your trust in Jesus. That transfer of trust is clearly seen in the day to day decision to learn from him. Love him by keeping his commandments and love his people. It won't be easy, but it will be a life that is pardoned of sin and full of purpose. And, it will be a life that is full of amazing pleasure in Jesus. When? Now and later. I got a poem for you, it's called Now and Later.
Whatever mistakes we have made,
The grace of God is greater,
Through it the debt of sin was paid,
For peace both now and later.
In His grip by His grace
Roderick
