The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. (John 1:43-44)
Read: Job 35:1 – 37:24
Relate: Peter, James, and John. Those are the three disciples who are always in the limelight. Andrew might sometimes make that list because he’s Peter’s brother and he rounds out the four famous fishermen Jesus called. Thomas gets it rough. Everybody thinks that Thomas is actually his last name and that his first name is “Doubting”. One dumb choice gets him bum luck even though he was the one, when all the rest were afraid to go to Judea, who spoke up and said, “Let’s go with Him [Jesus], even if it means to our deaths.” Big statement of faith for one who earned such a downer nickname. Then, of course we have Judas. In most people’s eyes he ranks right down there with the devil himself.
Philip? He is an unsung hero. I have a feeling Philip was into logistics. When Jesus asked about buying bread before feeding the five thousand, it was to Philip that He posed His question. When some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, it was Philip they approached first. When Jesus says, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.” Philip responds pragmatically, “Show us.” Philip was the only one of the twelve who pulled double duty and helped run the food program when the church was growing in Acts. Peter was the first apostle to do a short term mission’s trip, but Philip was the first one to commit long term. Finally, the longest running church in history traces it’s lineage all the way back to Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. If ever there was an unsung hero in the Christian faith, it was Philip.
React: When Andrew and the other disciple first follow Jesus he says to them, “Come and see.” They sought Him out and Jesus permitted it. The first person in any of the gospels that Jesus seeks out and issues those famous words, “follow me” was Philip. Jesus first made that special invitation to one who would not be famous. He made it to one who would not need the limelight. He made it to one who, in my opinion, was a pragmatist, an administrator (definitely not my gifting). Ultimately he made it to one who would be incredibly faithful.
Do I need the limelight? Am I one who must always get the credit? When I say something, or do something, or write something, do I have to make sure my name is on it? Must I always have the glory, or am I willing to focus instead on the results? Am I a picture, turning everyone’s attention my way, or am I a window, helping them focus on what is beyond?
Respond:
God, help me to be more like Philip. Help me to be faithful in following You even if that means nobody will know my name. Help me to be faithful even if somebody else gets the credit. Help me to be faithful no matter what might come my way… even if it is nothing. Because I know, Lord, that You know my Name. I know that You see me. Let the only praise I long to hear be, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
THE RIVER WALK 
This is an amazing post! I have read the bible a lot and I have never really thought about Phillip until now! Thank you for writing this!
Awesome Post!
I once heard a guy use the phrase ‘Phillip’s transport’ describing the way the Holy Spirit moved him around to minister. But my favorite lesson from Phillip is part of his exchange with the eunuch, ‘do you understand what you are reading’? It challenges me, could I ask that and then actually help someone understand Isaiah? I’m glad he ended up in a beach town with a nice family including four girls who all had the gift of prophesy:)
I really enjoy your exploration of the Bible.
That just adds to his role as a pragmatist. You have to be one with four daughters running around eating up all your budget. 😉
Wonderful friend …gr8 post..thank you for sharing this with us…
Neeky
I love Casting Crowns!
Reblogged this on God's group and commented:
Very interesting observation !!
Blessings in Christ, bruce
Very interesting observation !!
Blessings in Christ, bruce
It’s so hard in this world of fingertip friendships, and our credit-taking, credit-score-tanking ways to find comfort in being a virtual unknown (and I don’t mean Cyberspace “virtual”). But your post speaks of a truth I needed to hear. It’s not about ME being known. It’s about making Him known. Faithful and true. Yes, that’s something to embrace. Thank you for your insight. I needed this.
Ric Warren’s first observation in “Purpose Driven Life,” – “It is not about me!”
A truth we need to keep hearing over and over again because, for me at least, it has a hard time sinking in.
Very thought provoking, BJ. Great insight!
Reblogged this on RG's 2 Cents and commented:
A wonderful lesson about Philip from “The River Walk”.
BJ, I enjoy your writings on the first disciples. Your insight is so down to earth and practical. I like to think that is why Jesus chose men who were everyday individuals living practical, hard working existences, from day to day. Real men for a real King.
Bless you~Zoey
Philip evangelized in Phrygia where he was martyred for his faith. He may be an unsung hero here on earth. But in heaven he is one hero whom Jesus is proud to call brother (Hebrew 2:11). Oh, how I pray for my faith to stand the test to the end and to overcome even as Philip did, in Jesus name. Thank you for this post.
Great perspective and insight! Thank you!
I love your new gravatar by the way.
Thank you! 🙂
Oh i long to be a Philip. On fire for God, willing to go and not looking for any credit or recognition. Humility is there. How I long for humility and fervour. Love this post.