Called to Speak
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. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. John 1:45,46
Read John 1:35-47
Philip found Nathanael. We can easily overlook this statement. However, in this we see another way in which the Holy Spirit performs His work. The Spirit of God not only convicts of sin (John 16:8), but He also brings about a desire to bring others to Christ, just as Philip did.
According to John 21:2, Nathanael lived in Cana of Galilee. Philip did not go out into the wide world speaking to anyone who would listen; he first approached his friends, those who belonged to his own circle of acquaintances. Whoever is found by the Lord, will also reach out to others. This fact contains a very simple principle: Whenever someone has knowledge of an important truth, they will want to share it with others as well. Philip shared with Nathanael what he had received from the Lord. Do you also share important information with others?
What was Nathanael’s reaction? We can read it in verse 46. He was very skeptical and said: Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? He expected a negative answer to his question. Was this not a frustrating answer for Philip? Not really, because Philip understood that Nathanael knew God’s prophetic Word, which spoke of Bethlehem, not Nazareth. By his answer we learn some notable things about Nathanael. First of all, we realize he had knowledge of the Scriptures, and secondly, we see what lived in his heart. What lives in your heart? Do you have a good, basic knowledge of the Bible, by which you focus on the work of the Saviour and His return? Philip did not enter into a long discussion with Nathanael. Instead of engaging in a discussion, Philip simply said: Come and see.
Thought: Whoever is called by the Lord also begins to call upon Him.
Psalter 135: 1, 2 (based on Psalm 49) Hear this, all ye people, hear, Earth’s inhabitants give ear; All of high and low degree, Rich and poor, give heed to me. Truth with all my heart I seek, And my mouth shall wisdom speak; Hearken while in lyric strain I make hidden wisdom plain.