Simply Believe

Nathan′a-el answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.”

John 1:49-50 (ASV)

One of the questions I often hear in church is: "What must I do to experience a new dimension with God?" The answer is so simple that most of those who ask it refuse to accept it as true and abide by it. This is exactly the answer we find in this encounter between Nathanael and Jesus. A simple revelation from Christ led Nathanael to believe and declare without hesitation that He is the Son of God.

The reading of verse 46 above illustrates the negativity Nathanael expressed toward Nazareth: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" This shows that he did not believe that the long-awaited savior could come from Nazareth. Jesus could have reprimanded him for his unbelief, but He preferred to adopt an approach more suited to the attitude that led Nathanael to this declaration. You are probably among those who are also asking this same question: "What must I do to draw closer to God?" There is nothing else to do but believe.

You will probably find people who will tell you that you need to pray more and devote more time to Bible study. Of course, they are right. But these two things are simply the fruit of your personal relationship with God. You can spend days praying, even fasting. You can devote hours to Bible study. But as long as your faith wavers or you don't believe what you learn from the Bible and the results of prayer, you will never reach the level you so desire. Simply believe, and you will see the glory of God.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.