How to Live in the Now
May 29, 2019
The story of Nathaniel is often overlooked. Its easy to understand why, as when we read about him there’s nothing spectacular. There’s not a rescue from a lion’s den or a miraculous sea splitting. Actually, not much is said about Nate in the Scriptures. What is recorded though is noteworthy for our consideration.
Nathaniel is one of the original 12 disciples who followed Jesus around for several years. When he first heard of the to-good-to-be-true Messish he did what most of us would have done and expressed doubt. He chuckled at the idea that anything good could come out of Nazareth. His doubts quickly dissipated though, when he met Jesus face to face.
The carpenter, turned rabbi, looked at him and said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
Here’s two points we can learn from this chance encounter.
First, be encouraged that God knows who you are. Jesus recognized Nathaniel immediately. He then described him as a genuinely sincere guy. That’s really who Nathaniel was. God knows you intimately as well. He’s not forgotten you. And just like Nate, he knows you from the inside – the real you. Others may look on the outside and and judge you by your worst mistake. Not Jesus. No, He sees the real you and all your potential.
Also, be comforted that God knows where you’ve been. Jesus knows our past. And He loves us anyway. God accepts us, regardless of where we were or are – under the fig tree, stuck in addiction, damaged by people, or hurt by grief. Jesus sees us and offers rescue. Wherever you were in the past or wherever you are today is not where you’re headed. Like Nate, there’s wonderful things ahead if we will only believe.
Its interesting that the Bible doesn’t mention Nathaniel again until after the crucifixion of Jesus. That’s when we read of the resurrected Christ appearing to Nate on the beach one day. It’s as if Jesus is saying to him, and to us, that again God knows who we are and God knows where we are. Your story might not seem miraculous or meaningful. But it is. You matter. You are fully known and loved by God.
