Nathanael said to Philip, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip answers, "Come and see." (John 1:46)
Nathanael's question still lingers, even two thousand years later. Is the life of the young Nazarene really worth considering?
The answer of Philip still suffices. "Come and see."
Come and see the rock that has withstood the winds of time. Here his voice...the truth undaunted...grace unspotted...loyalty undeterred.
Come and see the flame that tyrants and despots have not extinguished.
Come and see the passion that oppression has not squelched.
Come and see the hospitals and orphanages rising beside the crumbling ruins of humanism and atheism. Come and see what Christ has done.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Come and see. Come and see the changed lives: the alcoholic now dry...the embittered now joyful...the shame now forgiven.
Come and see the marriages rebuilt, the orphans embraced, the imprisoned inspired.
Journey into the jungles and hear the drums beating in praise. Sneak into the corners of communism and find believers worshiping under the threat of death.
Walk on death row and witness the prisoner condemned by man yet liberated by God.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth?
Come and see the pierced hand of God touch the most common heart, wipe the tears from the wrinkled face, and forgive the ugliest sin.
Come and see. He avoids no seeker. He ignores no probe. He fears no search.
Come and see. Nathanael came. And Nathanael saw. And Nathanael discovered: "Teacher, You are the Son of God; You are the king of Israel."
From "The Gift For All People," by Max Lucado, pages 49-51, published by Multnomah
