Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Nathanael
Today’s Verse:
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. ~John 1:49
Nathanael is one of the lesser-known disciples. He is only mentioned in the Gospel of John. It is believed that he is the Bartholomew who is referred to in the other gospels. In our devotion this morning, we see Nathanael undergoing a forever life-change. Philip, his friend, brings Nathanael to Jesus. We see the importance of bringing our friends and family to the Lord. We see the potential of how an introduction to Jesus can change a person’s life and destiny.
We see Nathanael and his concern.
When Philip invited Nathanael to go with him to meet Jesus, Nathanael expressed doubt and concern about Who Jesus was. He asked, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth was considered a place where only losers and unsuccessful people lived. It never produced anyone who was noteworthy. That is, until Jesus came. Do you have doubt and concern about what the Lord can do for you? Are you at a place in your life where you feel like the Word of God does not speak to you or that praying does not work? Are you at a crossroads in your life as to the power of Christ in your life?
We see Nathanael and his confrontation.
Jesus saw Nathanael and made the first statement. Never forget that the Lord sees you before you see Him! The Lord sees your heart and its desperate need for salvation! The Lord sees your doubt and your desperate need for faith! The Lord sees your life and your desperate need to let Him have 100% control. Nathanael was confronted about what was good about him, but most importantly, what was bad and in need of the power of Christ. Nathanael was greatly shaken when the Lord said, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” Nathanael was confronted and had nowhere to run. Is the Lord confronting you about where you are in your relationship with Him?
We see Nathanael and his confession.
Nathanael made a confession of his need of Christ! “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” He confessed Jesus as Savior! He did not need to see a miracle to convince him of this. The omniscience of Christ sufficed. Someone great came out of Nazareth. He believed and confessed with his mouth that Jesus was the sinless Son of God Who came to die for his sins. He confessed Jesus as Sovereign. This gave recognition of his submission to the Lordship of Christ. It gave indication that he was ready to serve the Lord and do whatever God wanted him to do. Have you arrived at the place in your life where Jesus is your Savior? Have you arrived at the place where Jesus is Lord of all?
We see Nathanael and his contribution.
Jesus told Nathanael that he would see greater things than these. He told him that he would see angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Jesus would prepare, develop, and train Nathanael for the work of the Lord. Nathanael became one of the twelve apostles. He would see Jesus being exalted through His teaching and miracles, and eventually through His death on the cross. Nathanael would impact the world by spreading the gospel. He would see God answer his prayers. He would see God use him to bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ. His name means "the gift of God." He discovered that God saved him from his sins. He discovered that God answered his prayers. He discovered that God would use him in a great way. He would see souls saved and churches started! Nathanael would make a substantial contribution in the life of others!
Nathanael made a great discovery when he met the Lord. The best thing that happened to you is when you met the Lord. Make your contribution in the lives of others. Let the Lord use you for His glory.
Have a service-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 17-18
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