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We Have Found the Messiah
79
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.
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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
are near to those who in humility seek for divine guidance.
With the calling of John, Andrew, Simon, 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. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael.
These examples teach the importance of making direct appeals to
our kindred, friends, and neighbors. There are those who have never
made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Saviour.
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. In the family, the neighborhood, the town where
we live, there is work for us to do. 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 Strongest Argument
Philip did not ask Nathanael to accept another’s testimony, but to
behold Christ for himself. One of the most effective ways of winning
souls to Jesus is in exemplifying His character in our daily life. Men
may defy our logic or resist our appeals; but a life of love, totally
without selfish motives, is an argument they cannot gainsay.
The Word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified
through it, has a life-giving power attractive to the hearers. When
one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make known that
which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the Word of Life.
His testimony is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification
upon the character.
And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed.
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“He that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Proverbs 11:25
. In
order to enter into Christ’s joy—the joy of seeing souls redeemed by
His sacrifice—we must participate in His labors for their redemption.