What Do You Want?
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The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” (John 1:35-38, NIV)
They were obviously religious men, quite probably those who knew the old prophecies and longed for the coming of the Messiah. They were followers of this strange prophet named John the Baptizer, the one called of God to prepare people for the coming of the Christ. And then one day John pointed out Jesus passing by and said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
Our English translation does not do justice to their importance. I do not believe John simply glanced over on the road and, noticing Jesus, casually commented, “Incidentally, that one I’ve been talking about? You might be interested that he’s just over there.” We know that on the prior day, John had first pointed out Jesus with the same words (John 1:29-34), even giving personal witness to how God affirmed them that Jesus was “God’s Chosen One.”
The two men who evidently were honestly seeking after God still needed to hear the question: “What do you want?” Jesus took the initiative to help them look more deeply into their own hearts, to examine their motives, and perhaps even get a glimpse of what following Jesus might mean.
Their response to Jesus may seem odd to us. But it is possible these two knew that the deep longing of their hearts could not be addressed with a mere roadside conversation. They needed a place of privacy and uninterrupted time to reveal their deep needs and to hear Jesus’ responses.
“What do you want?” God poses that same question to each of us and we, too, need to retreat into a time and place secluded enough to hear His answers.
So often I do not know what I want; I only know there is a longing that gnaws at my heart. Thank you for your Spirit who will not leave me alone but continually asks, “What do you really want?” And then you welcome me into your presence. Amen.
Questions: Why are you following Jesus? What do you want from Him? How will you hear His answers for you?
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
Tags: Chat, Chosen One, disciples, John the Baptizer, Lamb of God, Marilyn J. Ehle, Messiah, prophet
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Jesus personifies what is in my heart and that is to love and be loved no matter what. This is one of the many reasons I follow Jesus. I have discovered that what I want (and receive) from Jesus, I cannot, have not received from any human being in the degree that Jesus gives. And that want is to take me as I am, and that is as a friend for always.
I believe that all relationships at their beginnings take tenderness, compassion and unlimited listening. My listening skills are finally honing what it takes to hear within, Jesus’ replies for those many hundreds of hundreds of questions this life is presenting to me.
Marilyn, the prayer written here says what’s on my heart. Thank you for your impeccable timing on this devotional.
Cathy thanks for sharing your struggles and your questioning, I lost a dear friend through suicide and I hear people suffering from depression, I have gone through it myself maybe God wants to use people so that people who do need help get the help they need, is he gently leading you this way?
I follow Him because He died for our sins and I want what He sees fit to give me. for He knows what we have need of
Thanks for sharing that poem, Linda!
Good poem Linda. Even though we know the Father is always with us, it is very hard not to ask why didn’t you help more God, if you know what is going on? I can’t help thinking why did’t he answer our prayers as we prayed for my nephew who was depressed and finally committed suicide. Where was he when Marie Osmonds’ son killed himself this weekend. Where was he when a local teen from our community went missing this past week. I know the rational answer that he is always with us, and people make choices, but sometimes it is hard to understand God’s ways.
I want you Jesus I want totally to be vunerable but not being taking avantage by people. not being ruled by anything but your spirit, I love you Jesus.
Amen Juy D! Kistina and Arlette and anyone else who is struggling with what is going on in their lives right now I would like to share this poem that was given to me when I lost my first husband many years ago. I has helped me many time during my life in dealing with circumstances that I would have rather not have had to go through one being the death of my 15 1/2yr old daughter. I pray that Some how this poem will help each of you as you go through your daily struggles and remind you God is In Control of your lives. Hugs, Linda!!!
“THE FATHER’S HAND”
While through this changing world below
I would not choose my path to go
“Tis Father’s hand that leadeth me,
Then O how safe His child must be.
Sometimes we walk in sunshine bright,
Sometimes in darkness of the night
Sometimes the way I cannot see
But Father’s hand still leadeth me.
Sometimes there seems no way to take,
But Father’s hand a way doth make
Sometimes I hear Him gently say,
“Come follow Me, this is the way”
Why should I mind the way I go?
His way is best for me, I know.
He is my strength, my truth, my way,
He is my comfort, rod and stay.
So on we travel hand in hand,
Bound for the heavenly promised land
Always through all Eternity,
I’ll praise His name for leading me.
A child. This is a daily struggle. But I know that His plans for me are to give me hope and a future. For me, waiting with hope is faith. Accepting that His will, not mine, be done. Thank you Father for loving us far more than we can ever imagine.
He is the Truth and the Life. He is my Messiah . . . my Savior. He bought me with His shed blood and broken body. Lord, how may I serve Thee? I pray I will be obedient and I will do your Will. Forgive me, Lord.
I want health and I am looking for a good doctor. I want to know what is causing my symptoms but I don’t know how I will hear His answers for me.