In John 1: 47-51, Jesus meets Nathanael for the first time and declares that he is a man of complete integrity. The scripture portrays Nathanael’s shocked reply- “How do you know about me??” he asks. Jesus says that he had seen Nathanael sitting under the fig tree before they met. Shocked at this, Nathanael somehow determines that Jesus must be the Son of God. Jesus response? Don’t let this shock you, Nathanael, you haven’t seen anything yet! You will see even greater things than this…
Jesus intimate knowledge of Nathanael’s character must have felt huge to him in that moment. Im sure Nathanael couldn’t even begin to guess the things he would see and do the next three years as he walked along side Jesus. The teachings, the miracles of multiplying food, the healings that would take place, the people that would be raised from the dead! Could he imagine he would be watching Jesus be crucified and then reuniting with him after being resurrected? Did he anticipate being commissioned to go to all the world and given the power of the Holy Spirit to help him do it?
I am the kind of person who gets pretty excited, even over the little things. There are moments where someone treating me to a starbucks coffee can make me feel just as excited as if someone had given me a trip to Disney World. I love to stand in awe whenever God does something in my life or in the lives of those Im close to, regardless of if it is categorizes as a big or small thing. This is a great attitude to have, although admittedly sometimes I think, well Ive met my blessing quota for today now! This will hold me for a while till my turn comes around again.
It’s so important for us to recognize the little blessings and miracles that take place around us each day- each breath, each little gift, each person in our life is a blessing that God has given us. Perhaps the challenge Jesus issued to Nathanael is to appreciate what God is doing now, but to not just be satisfied to stay in that place. To be content and appreciate all God has done, but to also continue to have great anticipation for the things that are ahead.
The Father’s love and capability to do amazing things in each of our lives is without limit, and as long as we are here on this earth I believe His heart rejoices when we delight in what He does for us, but He is whispering to us at the same time- you think this is good? You haven’t seen anything yet! Just wait until you see- I have so much more in store for you. Not because you deserve it- but because I love you so much.
Lord, help us to appreciate each little thing you do each day, but help us to get such a great revelation of your love for us that we can look forward to the future with great anticipation, knowing without a doubt that we will see greater things than this…
