SOAP 07/30/2011; John 1:47

Today's reading: Isaiah 60, 61, 62; John 1

S) "⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and *said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!'"

John 1:47 (NASB)
*Greek authors frequently used the present tense for the sake of heightened vividness, thereby trasporting their readers in imagination to the actualy scene at the time of occurrance. However, the translators of NASB felt that it would be wise to change these historical presents to English past tenses.

O) This doesn't seem like much on the surface, but it did get me thinking. Not a lot is said in the Bible about Nathanael, but this is the story that makes it into the Word of God. It's a short passage where the Son describes some one with intimate detail. His response in the next verse is, "How do you know me?" and I get the impression that he was actually taken aback by Jesus' revelation. It's not the sort of thing you can notice of some one by simply looking at him. And, consequently, it grabs Nathanael's attention. Nathanael isn't a liar. People only know that if they really know him.
A) God is omniscient. No matter how well we hide our "true self," He sees us for who we are. If God is going to describe me in front of my friend, as Jesus did in this passage with Philip and Nathanael, how will He describe me. If God is going to tell some one about me in a single sentence... if He's going to describe something about me that's only known by those who really know me, what would He say? Would He say that I'm honest? Would He say that I'm arrogant? Would He say that I'm compassionate? Whatever He would say, would He exlaim it? Would He mutter it regretfully? Would He be excited to share this tidbit of info? What do I hope He'll say? How would I want Him to say it?

P) Father, I want to make You proud. I know that You've created me with a purpose. You've called me to a destiny. Some of that is clear, like what is already written in Your Word. Some of it is more difficult to discern. All of it is important. I want my life to reflect the good work You're doing in me, though. However I might be used, I want to glorify Your name, LORD. Continue to shape me, humble me, soften my heart, help me be willing to help, meek, patient, faithful, honest, walk with integrity. When I'm standing before You, Lord, when I have lived out my life, the thing I want to hear You say the most is, "This is My beloved son, in whom I am well-pleased." Whatever it takes, whatever I need to let go, however You need to change me - make it happen in Jesus' name! I want to please You more than anything else, God. Continue the good work You've started in me, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.