The Gospel of John 1:43-51 Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Let us Pray: Everlasting God, you choose people to send forth as workers into your vineyard, the world that you trusted to us as stewards. You spoke to awaken Samuel with Your call, and so we ask you to open the ears of your chosen ones. Hear us now as we pray for the church and the world. This we pray in the Name of your Son Jesus our Savior. Amen.
So many times, we find ourselves in a rut because of the turns our lives have taken and we stop at disbelief. But like Peter, we must step out the boat of skepticism and step into belief and Faith that God is the one who will complete the work He once started. We must come to grips, that reality of what we go through isn’t all there is! You may think it, but you don’t understand, and you may be right but we as humans have gone through many expectancies during this past year. As followers of Christ, we are to walk by faith and not sight! Faith is the substance, the foundation, and the conviction of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Take a moment to step away from your problems in your mind to rely on and trust the LORD when He says that the plans are to prosper and NOT to harm us but give us hope and a future. Recall, that the trials and tests are to conform us not hinder us! Beloved speak life into your situation, say what God says, Yes something good is going to come out of this. Paul said it best, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” And we know all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. So, will you stop at the question or believe God and come and see? So, what was it about Jesus that caused people to believe in him and follow him with no evidence? We don’t know. But Philip simply said, “Come and see,” as if to say, “You don’t need me to advertise for Jesus; come and see for yourself.” Nathaniel came and saw for himself. That now becomes our task, to tell people, “Come and see.” Come and see what Jesus has done and can do for you!
Let us Pray: Dear Lord, help us discover your call and purposes for our lives so that we might know you, love you and faithfully serve you all the days of our lives. Please make our love for you so infectious that others will come to know you too, and one day we may hear you say, “We’ll done, my good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 