St. Andrew

St. Andrew, Apostle 
(November 30)

Ezekiel 3:16–21
Romans 10:8 b–18
John 1:35–42 a

The old church year ends with the watchman’s cry (Matthew 25:6), and the new one begins with it (Ezekiel 3:17): John the Baptist’s call of warning and repentance, which St. Andrew heard and heeded. But John’s fore-running task was chiefly to point his disciples to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29;36). Thus, Andrew became the first of Christ’s disciples. He in turn pointed his brother Simon Peter to the Messiah (John 1:41), and “immediately they left their nets and followed” the Christ (Matt. 4:20). “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Romans 10:15). Andrew’s eagerness to follow Christ and bring others to Him made “no distinction between Jew and Greek” (Romans 10:12; John 12:20–22), and he may be counted as the first missionary. His zeal in following Christ led him, according to tradition, to face a martyr’s death on an “X” shaped cross. So we are directed at the beginning of Advent to focus our eyes on Christ’s cross, where God’s Lamb was offered for our salvation.

Almighty God, by Your grace the apostle Andrew obeyed the call of Your Son to be a disciple. Grant us also to follow the same Lord Jesus Christ in heart and life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit , one God, now and forever.

Jesus calls us o'er the tumult

1. Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
of our life's wild restless sea;
day by day his voice still calls us
saying, 'Christian, follow me.'

2. As of old Saint Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and work and kindred,
leaving all for Jesus' sake.

3. Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world's golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, 'Christian, love me more.'

4. In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
Jesus calls, in cares and pleasures,
'Christian, love me more than these.'

5. Jesus calls us: by your mercies,
Saviour, may we hear your call,
give our hearts in glad obedience,
serve and love you best of all.