It is all about you . . . in relationship.
~ I will never forget Oscar Thompson’s key theme of his book Concentric Circles of Concern: the most important word in the English language is relationships. Not love. Relationships. No relationships, no love. I watch Jesus gathering disciples (John 1 is a good place to start watching with me). It is not a program; he is just focusing on Relationship Number One. Asked at one point by two of John’s disciples where he is staying (John 1:38-39) he says simply, Come and see. Much seeing, much finding, recognizing his place was always immediately in and within Relationship Number One. No substitutes, no alterations, no compromise. Later Jesus declared, If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too (John 12:26, NET Bible). The servant must be, like Jesus, immediately in and within Relationship Number One. No substitutes, no alterations, no compromise.
~ My lectionary reading for today, The Feast of St. Andrew, included John 1:35-42, 12:20-22; Psalms 131, 132, 133, and Isaiah 35.