ED MCMAHON, MEET ANDREW OF BETHSAIDA

Last week, Ed McMahon died. McMahon was the longtime sidekick of Johnny Carson. Unanimously, commentators referred to McMahon as the great "second fiddle." We will not soon forget his stepping aside at the beginning of every Tonight Show and welcoming Carson with "here's Johnny!"

Centuries earlier, Andrew of Bethsaida played the role of a great "second fiddle." He was the brother of the more famous Simon Peter. In fact, the Gospel of John (John 1:40) refers to Andrew as "Simon Peter's brother." Although he came first to Jesus, Andrew remained in the shadows of the "big fisherman."

Ed McMahon never seemed to chafe against his role. He never revealed any bitterness. Of course, some might say that he was paid handsomely for being a second fiddle. Even better, McMahon was gifted in other ways.

Andrew, the disciple of Jesus, seemed to embrace his role humbly as well. After all, he had gifts too. You might say that his gift was that of an "introducer." Three times he appears in the gospels (John 1:42; John 6:8; John 12:22),and each time he is introducing people to Jesus. In addition to bringing his brother, Andrew brings a boy to Jesus. The lad has loaves and fishes which Jesus uses in the feeding of the 5,000. Andrew later, along with Philip, brings Greeks to Jesus.

Andrew's strength was also that of Ed McMahon. They spent much of their lives introducing people while playing well the role of second fiddle.

As we remember and give thanks for Ed McMahon and Andrew, may we also learn from them to run to our strengths even if it means playing second fiddle.