Jesus said "You believe I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that" John 1:50.
What is the greatest thing you have ever seen?
I am sure that there is a wide variety of answers to that question. We all have different backgrounds and experiences. We have different likes and dislikes so obviously our opinions will not be the same.
Prior to Jesus' statement in John 1:50, we have a story where Philip finds his friend Nathanael to tell him that they had found the Messiah written about it in the law. Nathanael insults the town of Nazareth, but Philip takes him to Jesus. As they approach Jesus said of Nathanael "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."
What I like is that Nathanael doesn't dispute Jesus' statement. Like "yeah I know I'm not deceitful". He just asks how does Jesus know him, to which Jesus replies that he saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip got him. Nathanael then proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God just from that.
Both what Jesus says and Nathanael's reaction are pretty amazing. I would be impressed by someone I just met knew where I was moments earlier. But, what Jesus says right after is just as stunning. "You will see greater things than that"
That's a bold declaration from Jesus. He's not qualifying it with anything that Nathanael will do. He just promises that he will see greater things than that. That promise is also made to us as we follow Jesus.
Do we desire to see these greater things? What does that look like?
I went to a church conference a few years ago, when these words came to my mind. I prayed to God that I would be able to see the greater things that he promised. Several years later, I have grown in many ways since that prayer. At that conference, I was helping to pray for someone who needed prayer for healing physically. Something that had bothered them for a while. When we had finished praying, he stated that he no longer felt any pain. I don't believe he was just being nice to us for praying for him.
Physical healing is just one of the things we may see in our lifetime. People giving their lives to Jesus, demonic influences on people being overthrown, and prophetic words and visions may be given. These are just a few of the things we could experience. Are we willing to want to experience that?
Our church within the past year had a conference where Robby Dawkins was the featured speaker. If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend listening to one of his tasks. He has great passion to be available for the work of God. And, he has experienced many amazing things all over the world. During this conference, we saw several people get healing for physical needs. Arms that couldn't be lifted high because of physical pain were prayed for and the pain was gone. Some amazing stuff.
Now, you can say well Robby is a trained pastor and this stuff occurs for people who are trained. Let me tell you, he only prayed for one person - and that person prayed for the next and so on. It is not a matter of ability, but rather your availability. Be available for God. Also, they might not get healed right away when you pray. But, you have to take that step forward and risk. Robby said that many followers might be willing to take a bullet for Jesus, but just as many don't want to look "foolish" for Jesus. Pretty true statement.
Our church went out into the community that Saturday to pray for people. There was healings, people received words or visions that meant something to those who were prayed for, and a couple gave their lives to Jesus. Just as many had nothing happen when they prayed, but they followed the call of Jesus.
Where was I during all of this? Walking around but not finding anyone to pray for. I can probably wasn't searching all that closely. That Sunday, between services, I was heading to my car at Target where a young couple was putting away their groceries. I heard the lady complain about shoulder pain and needing to see a doctor. She walked past me, but I didn't say anything or offer to pray. What's the worst she would have said? No? Odds are, she would never have seen me again one way or the other. That's what happens when you listen to the fears of the enemy. You stay quiet when others need to hear. It's something I really need to work on - a lot.
"The seventy-two returned with joy and said 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name'. He replied 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" Luke 10: 17-20.
Do we want to see the greater things Jesus promises? He has said he has given us the authority to overcome the power of the enemy. Do you believe that? I do. Now, I just need to start listening to Jesus more and not the enemy's lies.
What is the greatest thing you have ever seen?
I am sure that there is a wide variety of answers to that question. We all have different backgrounds and experiences. We have different likes and dislikes so obviously our opinions will not be the same.
Prior to Jesus' statement in John 1:50, we have a story where Philip finds his friend Nathanael to tell him that they had found the Messiah written about it in the law. Nathanael insults the town of Nazareth, but Philip takes him to Jesus. As they approach Jesus said of Nathanael "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."
What I like is that Nathanael doesn't dispute Jesus' statement. Like "yeah I know I'm not deceitful". He just asks how does Jesus know him, to which Jesus replies that he saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip got him. Nathanael then proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God just from that.
Both what Jesus says and Nathanael's reaction are pretty amazing. I would be impressed by someone I just met knew where I was moments earlier. But, what Jesus says right after is just as stunning. "You will see greater things than that"
That's a bold declaration from Jesus. He's not qualifying it with anything that Nathanael will do. He just promises that he will see greater things than that. That promise is also made to us as we follow Jesus.
Do we desire to see these greater things? What does that look like?
I went to a church conference a few years ago, when these words came to my mind. I prayed to God that I would be able to see the greater things that he promised. Several years later, I have grown in many ways since that prayer. At that conference, I was helping to pray for someone who needed prayer for healing physically. Something that had bothered them for a while. When we had finished praying, he stated that he no longer felt any pain. I don't believe he was just being nice to us for praying for him.
Physical healing is just one of the things we may see in our lifetime. People giving their lives to Jesus, demonic influences on people being overthrown, and prophetic words and visions may be given. These are just a few of the things we could experience. Are we willing to want to experience that?
Our church within the past year had a conference where Robby Dawkins was the featured speaker. If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend listening to one of his tasks. He has great passion to be available for the work of God. And, he has experienced many amazing things all over the world. During this conference, we saw several people get healing for physical needs. Arms that couldn't be lifted high because of physical pain were prayed for and the pain was gone. Some amazing stuff.
Now, you can say well Robby is a trained pastor and this stuff occurs for people who are trained. Let me tell you, he only prayed for one person - and that person prayed for the next and so on. It is not a matter of ability, but rather your availability. Be available for God. Also, they might not get healed right away when you pray. But, you have to take that step forward and risk. Robby said that many followers might be willing to take a bullet for Jesus, but just as many don't want to look "foolish" for Jesus. Pretty true statement.
Our church went out into the community that Saturday to pray for people. There was healings, people received words or visions that meant something to those who were prayed for, and a couple gave their lives to Jesus. Just as many had nothing happen when they prayed, but they followed the call of Jesus.
Where was I during all of this? Walking around but not finding anyone to pray for. I can probably wasn't searching all that closely. That Sunday, between services, I was heading to my car at Target where a young couple was putting away their groceries. I heard the lady complain about shoulder pain and needing to see a doctor. She walked past me, but I didn't say anything or offer to pray. What's the worst she would have said? No? Odds are, she would never have seen me again one way or the other. That's what happens when you listen to the fears of the enemy. You stay quiet when others need to hear. It's something I really need to work on - a lot.
"The seventy-two returned with joy and said 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name'. He replied 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" Luke 10: 17-20.
Do we want to see the greater things Jesus promises? He has said he has given us the authority to overcome the power of the enemy. Do you believe that? I do. Now, I just need to start listening to Jesus more and not the enemy's lies.
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