Andrew, Apostle – Romans 10:10-18

But how can they call on [Christ] to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? ¹⁵And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15, NLT)

I’ve always felt a certain pride in sharing a name with one of Jesus’ first disciples, although the reason for that pride escapes me at times. After all, in certain respects, I’m not much like the Apostle Andrew. For starters, I rarely engage in overt acts of evangelism like the one recounted in Andrew’s call story in the gospel of John. If I’m like the apostle at all, it is in the sense that I don’t mind taking a backseat and letting others stand at center stage. (I’m looking at you, Peter.) Yet, I am inspired nonetheless by my namesake, if for no other reason than that he spurs me on to greater boldness. The spread of a message requires a messenger after all, and in an age in which there are far too many messages which provoke fear and anger and distrust of others, Andrew calls me (and all of us) to bring good news to others. This Advent season, let’s hit the pavement with our beautiful feet to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with our broken and beautiful world.

Almighty God, you gave your apostle Andrew the grace to obey the call of your Son and to bring his brother to Jesus. Give us also, who are called by your holy word, grace to follow Jesus without delay and to bring into his presence those who are near to us, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (From Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 54)

– Pr. Andrew Chavanak, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA), Falls City