Jesus sees us where we are at and calls us into something greater. As I prayed today I identify with Nathanael, in John 1:43-51. He spoke as a real person. The first thing out of his mouth is a sterotype of the culture. I laugh at that because we all do it. Its not right I know, but it is part of the deal with being human. Jesus didn’t take offense. He understood who Nathanael was. So what made Nathanael change? Jesus understood and saw him without the masks of society. Nathanael is hiding behind his culture, trying to keep up with the image accepted by most. Yet Jesus saw through all of it and recognized that he was a true Israelite.
Nathanael accepted Jesus as the Messiah on the spot! When I seek Christ and He meets me where I am do I respond that quickly? What do I do when I have heard? I often wonder about how much I miss, I know it isn’t a very good thing to dwell on, but how often do I miss an oppertunity because I prejudge the situation? Nathanael didn’t do what I usually do, he responds quickly. He takes his friend’s word and starts the journey, prompted by the inner desire to be close to God. Then he is quick to openly accept the Word and the Light who is Jesus Christ.
Now I wonder what was going on under that fig tree. As you pray imagine just what types of thing Nathanael would have been thinking about there in the shade, and examine your own life. What would you need to be shown to follow Christ unrestrained? Be open to see the answers that are given. Trying not to be to quick to judge it as some random occurence, but as God showing His love and grace. I encourage you to keep track so you will remember what you prayed and you may also make note of how he fulfilled it. Then be quick to act and share what He has blessed you with. I pray that I will grow deeper in my friendship with Christ and be quick to respond to His calls, and to better able to discern His voice over all the other distractions our culture lend. I pray also that this happens for you as we’ll.
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