Philip (Making a Comeback)

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(Making a Comeback)

By Woodrow Kroll

East Carolina played Marshall in the 2011 GMAC Bowl.  At the halftime, East Carolina had a 38-8 edge.  But Marshall quarterback Bryon Leftwich orchestrated an incredible comeback, tossing an 8-yard touchdown pass in the second overtime to stun East Carolina, 64-61.

NAME: “Lover of Horses”

DATE:    1^st Century AD

IDENTIFICATION:   A native of Bethsaida, Philip became one of Jesus’ Twelve

STORY LINE:  When God wanted faith, all Philip could give Him were facts

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:  John 1:43-49; 6: 1-13; 14: 1-12

Comebacks are always exciting, especially with people.  Take Philip, for example.

Philip was one of Jesus’ Twelve, a native of Bethsaida.  When Philip first met Jesus he eagerly embraced the Savior.  IN his fledgling faith, Philip quickly found Nathanael and introduced him to the Lord, too.  But at the feeding of the five thousand, Philip’s faith faltered.  Jesus tested him  

with a question about where they could find enough bread to feed everyone.  Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them” (John 6:7).  Philip’s calculations were almost dead on, but while Jesus was looking for faith, all Philip could give Him were facts.

Finally, when Jesus told His disci0ples, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also” (John 14:7), Philip’s faith failed completely.

He responded, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

Each time we encounter Philip in John’s Gospel his faith is weaker.  But thank God it didn’t stay that way.  After ministering in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch, tradition tells us that he settled in Hierapolis and became “the great light of Asia (Minor)”

How’s your faith today?  Do you need to make a comeback?  When Jesus is looking for faith, do you just give Him facts?  Show Him by your life that you believe all things are possible with God.

                                              

                                                                                                                                                                                                 —Woodrow Kroll

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