Daily Devotional reflections

As we journey through these uncertain times, each day Sean will seek to post a thought or reflection, a Bible verse or a prayer.

Monday 13th July 2020
By Fred Coutts

St Andrew

[The St Andrew stained glass window in Brechin Cathedral is by William Wilson]

ST ANDREW


Andrew was one of the first four disciples, a native of Bethesda, a fisherman of Capernaum and brother of Simon Peter. Tradition says that he was martyred at Patras in Greece, crucified on as cross of the shape we see on the Scottish Saltire flag.

He is the only one of the eight saints of early Scotland who never set foot in this land. According to legend, St Regulus brought Andrew’s relics from Patras in Greece. He was forced by a storm to land at the place we now call St Andrews, and there in time a great Cathedral was built.

Another story tells of a white cross shaped cloud in the sky which appeared before the battle at Athelstaneford in East Lothian which energised Óengus the King of the Picts and led to a Scottish victory. Óengus declared St Andrew to be the Patron Saint of Scotland and the white cross on the sky blue background was adopted as the flag of Scotland.
St Andrew is not just the patron saint of Scotland, but also of Greece, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.

Remembering Andrew, one of the first disciples, focus today on what discipleship means for you in 21st Century Scotland.

Mark 1:16-20

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

PRAYER

Loving God,
We think of Andrew, called first among your disciples,
Leaving his nets to follow Jesus, leaving his life behind to answer your call. We thank you for Andrew, an example to all who follow you trusting blindly in your promise, trusting in a better life with you.
You have called us into your service.
Make us your true disciples.

We think of Andrew, spreading the gospel in times of persecution and hostility when the church was young and regarded with suspicion inspired by the Holy Spirit to convince others of the good news of Jesus Christ disregarding danger and hardship, doing your will as your disciple, your apostle.
You have called us into your service.
Make us your true disciples.

We think of Andrew, remembered on his cross, tortured and put to death for his faith, confessing Jesus bravely in pain and fear, trusting in him to the end, leaving us the legacy of God’s good news.
We thank you for Andrew, a warning for us to remember those tortured and persecuted today, to remember why you sent your son, to remember Jesus as the prince of Peace.
You have called us into your service
Make us your true disciples.

We think of Andrew, whose message travelled to the farthest corners of the world,
Whose message is heard here in Scotland, whom we remember when we search the sky for our answers
We thank you for Andrew whose message is heard in Russia and Greece, in Romania and Ukraine in Africa, The Americas, Asia, Australasia and Europe, remembered as one of your first servants
making disciples of all nations, making us all follow the Prince of Peace.
You have called us into your service
Make us your true disciples

God of all nations, you have sent us Andrew the apostle, inspired by your Spirit to spread your news, let us find his courage to follow you, let us find his passion to be your witnesses, let us be your disciples.
AMEN

BLESSING

Circle me, Lord.
Keep protection near
And danger afar.
Circle me, Lord
Keep hope within.
Keep doubt without.
Circle me, Lord.
Keep light near
And darkness afar.
Circle me, Lord.
Keep peace within.
Keep evil out.

(David Adam)