The Disciples - Part 3

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:45-51 ESV). Nathaniel was shocked. The Messiah had come from Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Granted this was not the town of heroes. It was not the place where one might expect to see a world leader arise. The education system didn't produce the greatest academias. There were few monetary strongmen. It just wasn't the home of champions! Nathaniel, also called Bartholomew, was a man who spoke his mind. It wasn't that he was opposed to Christ coming from Nazareth. His view of God, however, just wouldn't allow such a thing to occur. He saw God as coming from the aristocratic neighborhoods of society. He thought God would be displaying great wealth and strength. That usually didn't describe someone from Nazareth. But, when Nathaniel saw Christ, even though He was from Nazareth, he placed his whole faith and devotion in this One who had come from the forsaken town. Nathaniel recognized the Living God! There was nothing false about his whole-hearted devotion! Perhaps we should be more like Nathaniel. Maybe we should look for God in the unexpected places of life. Quite possibly God wants to surprise us by showing up at those awkward times of life. God may have for us a few surprises. Perhaps your view of God is too small. Perhaps you have had some challenges in life that you were not sure God could handle. Because of that you did not trust your situation to him. You will never be able to know the peace and victory God has for you until you trust Him with everything. It has been my experience that God rarely does things the way I expect. However, he always comes through with more than I ever dreamed. It is always better to rest in the protection of His hand. Look for God today to show up when and where you least expect Him! Then trust Him!