Now Jesus, being turned and gazing at them following, is saying to them, "What are you seeking?' Yet they said to Him, "Rabbi (Which, being construed, is termed "Teacher"), "Where art Thou remaining?" He is saying to them, "Come and see," They came, then, and perceived where His is remaining, and they remain with Him that day, it was about the tenth hour
Johns Account 1: 39-41, Concordant New Testament
I have been involved in more than a few ministries in my time. From Promise Keepers conventions to classes of Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God series. Both of these were seen as crucial ministries during my time in the church. Yet, the funny thing is that neither has ever brought me closer to knowing the truth of Christ Jesus within me than the revelation of the Father in me. I think back to the days when the apostle Paul received that same revelation within him in the days following his Damascus road experience. That it was when it pleased the Lord that He revealed in Paul the living spirit of Christ {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}. I can say that my experience definitely mirrors that of Paul. It is Jesus who invited those following Him by simply inviting them to "Come and see" {Johns Account 1:39-41}. He never once invited them to a conference gathering (If they had those back then). He never encouraged them to join in the study of a book in order to see Himself revealed unto them. What Jesus DID do was to invite those who were curious to come and see for themselves His daily life. To witness His presence and His ministry of the gospel. I have not seen many Christian based ministries at all which tout the love and welcoming which Jesus offered to these early followers of His. What I have seen in my own time in the church is far too many theology based programs disguised as ministry. Of course, there have been a few exceptions. A good friend of mine once engaged in a sports ministry which brought the message of the gospel to more than a few countries around the world. He used his love for sports and Jesus to spread His message to others. What strikes me about my friends endeavor is that his message was not church based, but speaking to others about the love and forgiveness of Christ.
I've been thinking a lot lately about how it is that this revelation I have received from God could be spoken to others. The fact is, there are millions of people in this world who hunger to know Jesus on a more personal level. Imagine a world where everyone knew and understood the truth of our life within Christ Jesus {Johns Account 14:20}. I truly feel that this is where the Father is leading His children. But how? Simple, the invitation to come and see. Come and see the love and acceptance of Jesus. Come and experience His love without the condemnation so often found within the confines of the mainstream church. I have a Christian friend who seems to minister to others by means of reminding them of their own future in hell if they refuse to follow Jesus. I feel that he doesn't attract too many followers with that rhetoric. A simple Google search of the passage which we find in John 1:39-41 reveals Jesus' invitation to others to "Personally encounter Him." Wouldn't you love to personally encounter Jesus? Well, come and see. James makes it clear that if we draw ourselves closer to the Lord, that He will in turn draw near to us {James to the twelve Tribes 4:8}. I feel that this is a big reason why Jesus invites us to come and see Him for ourselves. But how is it that those desiring to see Him will have that opportunity? Well, it certainly won't come from those within the church speaking to us as condemned sinners. That message doesn't sell when it comes to intimately knowing Christ within us. How the world WILL come to know Jesus more intimately is through those who already know Him in that way. While I don't see it as an official church endorsed ministry, I have my own group of gym goers which I speak of Jesus with on a regular basis. Not of condemnation, but of the love and acceptance of Christ. All are welcome, come and see.
Yet hallow the Lord Christ in your hearts, ever ready with a defense for everyone who is demanding from you an account concerning the expectation in you, but with meekness and fear
Peter to the Dispersion (1) 3: 15, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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