He First Findeth
Today’s Verse
One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. ~John 1:40-41
The word “first” refers to the highest priority. It is the number-one thing we give our attention to. It is the matter that we do immediately. First place is given to the winner of a contest. You have to get to first base before you can round the other bases. The first thing is what we do before anything else. We are introduced to Andrew by “he first findeth his own brother.” “He first findeth” emphasizes the priority of bringing people to Christ and winning souls.
We see Andrew’s commitment.
One of the two which heard John speak and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. The first thing we see about Andrew is his commitment to follow Jesus. He had been a disciple of John the Baptist. When John said, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew immediately followed Jesus. It’s important to note that he followed Jesus in his word, his work, and his walk. He was all-in as a disciple of Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, he gave his heart completely to Him. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Commitment means that we must follow.
We see Andrew’s compassion.
“He first findeth his own brother Simon.” The first person that came to Andrew’s mind was his brother Simon. The first thing he did was find his brother and tell him that he placed in his faith in Jesus as his Saviour and Lord. As soon as he followed Jesus, he went looking for other people to bring to Jesus. Andrew cared for the souls of other people. He seized opportunities to bring people to the Lord. Following Jesus demands that we are moved with compassion. The first thing a new believer should be taught to do is to bring others to Jesus.
We see Andrew’s converts.
“He brought him to Jesus.” Peter became the first of many people whom Andrew brought to the Lord. Can you imagine how excited Andrew was when Peter also placed his faith in Jesus? Later, some Greeks came to Philip and Andrew and said, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Together, they brought them to Him. Andrew found the little lad who had a basket with barley loaves and little fishes. He brought the lad to Jesus. Every Christian can bring somebody to Jesus! What if Andrew did not “first find” his brother? When soulwinning is a priority, God uses us to “first find” the Simons, the little lads, and the Greeks.
We see Andrew’s crowns.
Paul tells us that every soul saved is our joy and crown. A crown is given to faithful soulwinners to be laid at Jesus’ feet. Andrew earned his crown. When Andrew’s works are tested by fire, they shall come forth as gold, silver, and precious stones. His diligence and faithfulness will be acknowledged. Andrew was faithful in little and in much. Like Andrew, we must earnestly seek to earn the soulwinner’s crown.
Andrew “first findeth….” Who is first on your prospect list of people who need to get saved? Who is the first person today you will give a gospel tract to and win to Christ? “First findeth” means we need to get people on our hearts and go after them.
Have a soulwinning God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 14-15