GREAT EXPECTATIONS

John 1:45-51 

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 

Nathanael's prejudice against Jesus was because He came from Nazareth, a place traditionally looked down upon. 

Likewise, most of us missed out on our opportunity to have certain good people in our lives because of our prejudices; prejudices against race, nationalities, tribes, ethnic groups, hometowns, family, ... 

Your long prayers may have been answered through someone you pushed out because of your prejudice. It could be marriage, job, travel, friendship, church or anything you so desire. Nathaniel was waiting for the Anointed One but couldn't believe He would come from that rejected clan and family. Stop discriminating to receive answers to your prayers. 

Meanwhile, Nathanael did not loose out because despite his prejudice he found it important to have a personal encounter with Jesus, that is wisdom. Beloved, no matter what you've heard or know of someone, still keep engaging with them for like a tossed coin, there's the other possibility too. 

Without that encounter, Nathanael may have written Jesus off and would have lost out on an opportunity to be a disciple, an apostle, preach the Gospel and become a saint. 

Precious one, let's apply divine wisdom to what we perceive on others. Let us begin to have respect for every human being knowing that stereotyping is wrong, and that God can raise heroes and saints from anywhere - tribe, family, school, 'class', gender, abilities etc. under the sun. The person you and your people are pushing away today may be the one to give you your expected experience in life. May God grant us spirit of discernment at all times. Amen. 

Shalom aleichem; peace be unto you...