46-50 "Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
John 1:46-50 (ESV)
Like a just-shattered backboard, broken rim, or clock malfunction, life brings unexpected moments. It happened to me today. My right rear wheel about fell off my car as I was zooming along busy Interstate Highway 475 in Toledo, Ohio, just heading into two full days of college and pro basketball mentoring and ministry.
My car fishtailed wildly, but miraculously, I was able to pull over onto the shoulder. My life was spared. As I awaited a tow truck to carry off my car (for good), I read the story above from John.
Here's what I saw in that narrative:
- SKEPTICISM ABOUNDS. It really does; it pervades. All of us entertain unsubstantiated unbelief. It's more inherent in us than we will sometimes admit. It even carries over to how we feel about Jesus.
We often get way too selective in what we choose to believe about Him. Let's not play skeptic like Nathanael. Good can come out of anything … even a car that collapses on a highway. And good always flows from Christ.
JESUS SEES. He sees way more than we think He does. Respect that, enjoy that, leverage that. Look forward to discovering what He sees. Like Nathanael, what He sees in us may beautifully surprise us!
SEEING IS BELIEVING. Whenever I come and take a good look at Jesus, my believing changes. I will see Him, myself, others and my circumstances way better.
Having the right view of everything comes into clearer focus when I lock eyes with Jesus first. Then sight becomes faith and faith becomes sight.
- GREATER AWAITS. Jesus says that when we follow and worship Him, we will see even greater things than when we do life flying solo. That's so much to look forward to … even better than another car.
While I'll miss my old ride, that car can't compare with the journey Jesus takes me on. Any good Jesus story tows me to where I need to go.
Reflect:
- Is it time to get rid of some skepticism and unbelief in you? What specifically needs to go?
- Is there something greater that God is showing you that you've been reluctant to embrace? What is it?
- Are you noticing anything greater forming in or around you? If so, what is it?
Gotta go ... The tow truck is here, and so is the Lord. He always shows up. I wonder what He has for me to see today. There's always something interesting for me to take a good look at!
A prayer to consider: Lord, tow me in and take me to all the places You want me to go to. Get me to the end of myself, and show me greater things. You're right, believing is seeing and seeing is believing. I love Your care for my faith and sight. I love you. Amen
