Come and see

"Follow me." This is Jesus' invitation to Philip this weekend, from the beginning of John's gospel. (John 1:43-51). Jesus is starting to recruit his first disciples. Philip rejoices in the invitation! He is so moved that he goes to his friend Nathanael and invites Nathanael to join in following Jesus as well. Nathanael is at first skeptical, saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” - referring to Jesus' hometown. Philip doesn't respond defensively, or with an argument about why Jesus is worthy of being followed. Instead he simply shares this open invitation, "Come and see."

Each of us have been invited by Jesus to follow him. Further, we are called to invite others to "Come and see." Many today are skeptical that anything good can come out of the church. From scandals and betrayals of trust to overbearing legalism and hypocrisy, the church hasn't always been the place where following Jesus ends up being primary. But I know that following Jesus is life giving, and following Jesus is best supported by being in a community of people who are also trying their best to follow Jesus. 

Midvale is a place where we seek to follow Jesus and to show one another how Jesus equips us for making a difference for good in the world. The most frequent reason I hear that people come to Midvale for the first time is because they were invited by somebody they know. Many people are looking for a spiritual home, but have become skeptical that they can find one. I invite you to share the open invitation to those in your life who might be looking for a place to belong, a place like Midvale. "Come and see." Share that open welcome, and see what the Holy Spirit might do!