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Humble Hero
desire for truth, and now his desire was met. He said, “Rabbi, You
are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
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 today, many trust to human authority.
Like Nathanael, we need to study God’s Word for ourselves and
pray for the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment. He who saw Nathanael
under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels
are near to those who humbly seek for divine guidance.
The foundation of the Christian church began with the calling
of John, Andrew, Simon, Philip, and Nathanael. John directed two
of his disciples to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his
brother. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael.
These examples teach the importance of making direct appeals to
our family, friends, and neighbors. There are those who have never
made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Savior.
Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if
their neighbors, ordinary men and women, had put forth personal
effort for them. In the family, the neighborhood, the town where we
live, there is work for us to do. As soon as someone is converted,
a desire is born within him to tell others what a precious Friend he
has found in Jesus.
The Strongest Argument
Philip did not ask Nathanael to accept someone else’s testimony,
but to see Christ for himself. One of the most effective ways of
winning souls to Jesus is by showing His character in our daily life.
People may reject our logic or resist our appeals, but a life of love,
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totally without selfish motives, is an argument they cannot refute.
The Word of God, spoken by someone who has personally been
sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that attracts those who
hear it. When we have received the truth and loved it, we will make
known what we ourselves have heard, seen, and experienced of the
Word of Life. Testimony like this rings true to receptive hearts and
leads to sanctification of character.
And those who try to give light to others will themselves be
blessed. “He who waters will also be watered himself.”
Proverbs