“The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”” John 1:43-49 NKJV
Emmanuel, God with us,
Nathanael had to meet Jesus for himself, it was not enough to just hear about Him from Philip. He was surprised, even shocked that Jesus already knew him, when they met. But You know each one of us.
We are the ones that have turned away from You, and need to meet Jesus for ourselves to be able to approach You. I remember as a new Christian hearing the phrase ‘there are only children in the Kingdom of heaven, no grandchildren’. You cannot be a Christian by having Christian parents, or being taken to church, it is a personal decision to know You and be welcomed into Your family.
And like Nathaniel we find a welcome. Jesus did not remind Nathaniel of all his past mistakes – he commended him for being open and honest. How like our Saviour. He does deal with our sin and teach us how to live holy lives, but always encourages us. Some of us heard negative voices as we were growing up (eg you will never be any good), and do not always think good of ourselves. Help us hear Your encouragement clearly each and every day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Emmanuel God,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Encourage them with Your answers to their prayers.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Encouragement and joy from all they do today.
For the Royal family. Ongoing health and joy in service.
For our nation and the members yet to be elected to Parliament. Raise up good hearts.
For athletes preparing for the Olympics. For good venues and accommodation..
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Lasting solutions for peace for the good of all.
For Ukraine, an end to war. Speak to Russian leaders and decision makers unexpectedly for peace.
For our County and its local councils and the MPs yet to be elected.
For those who need to hear You today in sickness, sadness, disappointment or depression.
For the beauty of the earth, our senses and the blessing of sleep.
For us to be encouraged by how precious we are to You today. Whoever we are, whatever we do wherever we are.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 27th June 2024
It’s all about You, Jesus
And all this is for You
For Your glory and your fame
It’s not about me
As if You should do things my way
You alone are God
And I surrender to your ways
Jesus, lover of my soul
All consuming fire is in Your gaze
Jesus, I want you to know
I will follow you all my days
For no one else in history is like you
And history itself belongs to you
Alpha and Omega, You have loved me
And I will share eternity with You
Lyrics: Paul Oakley