JESUS SPEAKING
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!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1: 46 – 50)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
After proclaiming that Nathanael’s heart was devoid of lies, Jesus mentioned seeing him beneath a fig tree; a secret moment that the Lord could not have physically witnessed. In response to this impossible revelation, Nathanael identified Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. This brief interaction exemplifies a broader religious doctrine known as omniscience; omniscience is defined as possessing the knowledge of all things, seen and unseen. God alone is omniscient. Nothing, including our secret thoughts and desires are hidden from Him.
During the growth of the early Church, there lived a couple known as Ananias and Sapphira. They chose to sell a piece of property and distribute the proceeds to the apostles. However, they secretly kept a portion of the money for themselves. When they brought their gift to Peter, they lied, proclaiming that the amount given was the full measure of what they had received for the land. Peter addressed Ananias, saying, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit […] You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Ananias immediately fell to the ground dead. His wife, who continued the lie, perished shortly thereafter.
The God of all creation can never be deceived. He is omniscient. He knows all things. The thoughts of the mind and the motives of the heart are all laid bare before Him. This is why the Holy Spirit is essential for Christian living and the avoidance of deception.. The Spirit fills us with truth and chases away the lies. Through God’s Spirit our hearts and minds are purified, and we receive the strength to accomplish His perfect will. May we always remain aware of,God’s supernatural perception and presence.
”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be more like You. May we walk in the truth and live in the light. Sanctify us through Your Holy Spirit, and give us the strength to remain obedient to Your will. May we always recognize Your omniscience and divine oversight. May we always seek to glorify Your Holy Name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
