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Come and See, October 1
John 1:29-51
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth,
the son of Joseph.
John 1:45
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Philip called Nathanael.... If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance,
he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that
he became a disciple. So in the case of many today whom prejudice withholds
from good. How different would be the result if they would “come and see”! ...
Like Nathanael, we need to study God’s word for ourselves, and pray for the
enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will
see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are near to
those who in humility seek for divine guidance.
With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael,
began the foundation of the Christian church. John directed two of his disciples
to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his brother, and called him to the
Saviour. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael. These
examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of making direct
appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors....
There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many
have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common
men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are waiting to be
personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we
live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians,
this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born
within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found
in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart....
Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives
among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in
exemplifying His character in our daily life.... A consistent life, characterized
by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world
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The Desire of Ages, 139-142
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