One morning, I read John 1:43 where it says, “The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Very quickly, I discovered that the Lord had some things for me to ponder – so I went back. The phrase that stuck out was “finding Philip”. It was just two words, but it spoke a tidal wave of meaning to me.

Jesus seeks out Philip in this passage. He goes on the hunt looking for Philip. And what I felt that morning as I read and re-read that phrase – he’s looking for me. He’s on the search for me. He wants me, and has something for me. He’s trying to find me.

I found my mind drifting into that moment. I envisioned Jesus searching through the crowds at the market, the morning mist still coming off the trees and sand. He peers around the corners of the buildings, scans the crowds over the tops of the tents – all because he’s looking for me.

Not only is he looking for me, he’s inviting me. He wants me to be with him – with him! He’s holding a hand out, offering to take mine and lead the way forward. He’s got something in store for me. He’s thinking and envisioning a future for me that I would never have imagined on my own.

Imagining that I was Philip, I felt affirmed, valued, recognized, loved, and worthy. I don’t know what I did to secure this invitation, but it was meaningful. It was powerful.

God spoke powerfully to me about his desire for me. Like Jesus looking for Philip, he’s seeking after me. How that thrilled my heart to realize that Jesus—my king, my savior—is looking for me. He wants me. He has something for me. Simple words, seismic effect in my life.

Another thought emerged—how often do I live day-to-day without even kindling the fire of that desire for me? How often do I walk around with barely a nudge towards the reality of that profound truth? It’s not that it’s not true; I’ve just not stopped to appreciate and integrate that potent truth into me. The fire just smolders, instead of burning white hot.

Oh Jesus, speak to me. Thank you for loving me so wonderfully. Keep pouring your truth and love into me. I need it desperately. I am done without it, without you. Don’t let me settle into complacency about how voracious your desire is for me. Keep my fire aflame, and burn it brightly into a bonfire of passion for you.