Epiphany 2 – Following the Lamb of God

Following the Lamb of God

A short reflection on Psalm 40:1-11 and John 1:29-42

Have you ever felt stuck in a deep place? Like life has pulled you into a pit and there was no way out? Psalm 40 gives voice to that feeling. The psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord," and tells of being lifted out of a miry bog and placed on solid ground. It's a story many of us know too well – burnout, depression, grief, or just a long season of uncertainty. But the promise is this: God doesn't leave us in the dark. God leans close, lifts us up, and gives us a new song.

In John’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptiser calling out, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" pointing us to Jesus. The Lamb isn’t about weakness, but about power through love. Jesus doesn’t dominate; he invites. He meets the disciples not with a command, but a gentle question: “What are you looking for?” Then the invitation: "Come and see."

These two passages speak of movement – from despair to hope, from searching to following. They remind us that God is active, lifting us, calling us, and leading us. And we are invited not into performance, but into presence. Not into control, but curiosity. Like the first disciples, we are asked to follow, to trust, and to witness.

Waiting on God is not wasted time – it’s where transformation begins.

Following Jesus means inviting others into love, not pressuring them into belief.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here:
https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-epiphany-2-18-january-2026