“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:46
Nathaniel was the first critic of Christ. He judged him because of where he was from. He didn’t think anything good could come from a bad place.
Disciples have to learn this principle early or they’re going to be a mess.
God brings
light from darkness
beauty from ashes
riches from poverty
life from death
identify from wandering
All of these things the disciples discovered three years later. Some things have to be caught rather than taught.
Those whom God has brought from hard places understand. Those who think it’s just a good idea to follow Jesus or who do not sense their own poverty of spirit and embrace humility will alway think things should go a certain way (mostly their way). Be prepared for disappointment.
Jesus showed his disciples grace in the learning process as we should show those students whom we disciple. They won’t understand until they are in the the throes of watching God bring about transformation.
Let’s act like good thing coming from bad places is normal and pray our students will catch on.