Thank God for the Andrews!

I am reading a book on the disciples called Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. It is part of my reading for a men's group that meets weekly to study the theme of discipleship. This week we are studying Andrew. Andrew was the "quiet" disciple, yet one who was in the inner circle of Jesus Christ's closest followers. Andrew saw value in individual people and in insignificant things. He is often seen bringing people to Jesus and he often points out "small things" that Jesus uses in big ways. As MacArthur writes, "It is not the greatness of the gift that counts, but rather the greatness of the God to whom it is given."

I am so grateful for the many "Andrews" that have served God so consistently throughout their lives. Where would our churches be without Andrews who quietly and almost anonymously serve behind the scenes? Yet in doing so they are used by God in large ways. As John points out,

Thank God for people like Andrew. They’re the quiet individuals, laboring faithfully but inconspicuously, giving insignificant, sacrificial gifts, who accomplish the most for the Lord. They don’t receive much recognition, but they don’t seek it. They only want to hear the Lord say, “Well done.”

And Andrew’s legacy is the example he left to show us that in effective ministry it’s often the little things that count—the individual people, the insignificant gifts, and the inconspicuous service. God delights to use such things, because He has “chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).

MacArthur, J. 2002. Twelve ordinary men : How the Master shaped his disciples for greatness, and what He wants to do with you . W Pub. Group: Nashville, TN