Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see.” said Philip. John 1 Verses 45-46 [NIV]
Nazareth was a despised town. That is why Nathanael was taken by surprise that Jesus could have come from there. Nazareth was regarded as a desert, where nothing useful was expected to grow.
Nathanael's surprise was quite revealing; "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. What a viewpoint!
People could be viewing your country, city, or village in a similar light. "Can anything good come from there?" they may be wondering. Yours might be a locality that is expected to produce nothing good. Despite this, I encourage you to surprise people like Jesus did Nathanael by originating from Nazareth.
I urge you to surprise people, for the glory of God.
Some 'Nathanaels' could be looking at you and wondering whether anything good could become of you. You should surprise them by leading an exemplary Christian life characterized by purpose, power, authority and focus! Why not?
May you shake the world with the Word of God from right from your Nazareth! May people notice and wonder where on earth you come from! And if they ask, tell them, "From Nazareth of course!"
May you be an example of excellence in a despised locality! May you be a role model to many in a locality expected to produce mediocrity. May you be the face of the possible, against the odds, and inspire many to rise as well.
I eagerly await the time when people shall look at you and exclaim, "Come and see!" Glory to God!
DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
The Bible teaches me to live an exemplary Christian life.
Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. The instruction applies to me as well. I need to be a role model to believers in all spheres of life.
Father, I testify that my desire is to live a life worth emulating, a life that is according to your perfect will and purpose for me. I will put all effort toward this, and vow to continuously improve in this regard.
- I will watch my speech.
- I will watch my conduct.
- I will dispense love without conditions.
- I will walk in faith.
- Purity shall be my hallmark.
In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.
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Great message, I'm deeply challenged to stretch my potential to levels that will surprise my Nathanaels.
ReplyDeleteThanks inspiring message
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