Thursday, 26th of September 2013
What manner of recruitment is this?
Text :- John 1:40 - 45
One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to to him, "We have found the Messiah" ( which is translated, the Christ). 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). The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
One thing that struck me as I read the story of how the first set of disciples came together was that Jesus was not the one who directly recruited all of them. Jesus found some of the disciples by Himself; some disciples were found by fellow disciples. The word "found" appears five times in the text above; only once was it ascribed to Jesus. The disciples were the ones either doing the "finding" or talking about the "finding" in the other four instances.
Look at it this way:
The greatest assignment in the history of mankind was being founded. The most important structure that would determine the salvation of souls was being fashioned. The people that would form the pillar of the first New testament Church over the next few years were being assembled. And do you know the recruiter's approach? - "Bring in the people you know and I would add them to the list."
Andrew heard the comment of John the Baptist about Jesus, and he decided to follow him. He (Andrew) then found Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus. And what did Jesus do? He added his name to the list. No detailed interviews; no background check; no appraisal of a comprehensive resume; not even a letter of introduction from the Chief Priest or the Synagogue Registrar was demanded; nothing at all.
Next, Jesus found Philip and asked him to come on board. Without even seeking permission (I believe), Philip called on Nathanael to join the team. We are talking about the team which would launch what would later become the groundwork and pillar of the first Church. With open arms, Jesus received Nathanael into the team and even commended his character: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47).
Three lessons we can learn from this story:
1. Recruitment into the team is what we should all do with enthusiasm and with spontaneity, and never out of compulsion. The harvest truly is plentiful, but labourers are few (Mathew 9: 37).
2. High flyers, great achievers or talented people should not be the only target. Anyone with whom we have relationship is good enough for the Master Recruiter (Jesus) to engage and employ.
3. Jesus called Simon another name (Cephas) when he met him. Jesus obviously saw beyond Peter's weaknesses. He saw a "rock" in him. Our frailties and shortcomings are too little to discourage Him from engaging us in the assignment. He knows exactly how to remove the "dross from the silver".
With this understanding, we as the Launch team have decided to engage with people in our sphere of influence ( neighbours, workmates, friends, family members) and tell them about God's plan to see HillCity Church become planted in Ellenbrook, and how they can join the Launch team.
How many would come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ if only we believers would tell them about Him?
May God bless you as you help to recruit others into the launch team.
In Christ,
Dr. Joe Obisesan