Honesty and Revelation

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” ⁴⁸Nathanael 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.” ⁴⁹Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:47-49

How is it that Nathanael received the truth about Jesus so readily, when all Israel failed to recognize their Messiah?  It was because Nathanael possessed the grace of integrity, which Jesus immediately recognized and acknowledged – “...an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”  This was a man who was honest with himself and others, a straight-shooter, one who meant what he said and said what he meant.  Jesus commended him for his truthfulness, because it made the way for him to see the Son of God.

Total honesty is an essential trait of God’s children.  When we embrace any deception or dishonesty, we may see Jesus, but not as Lord and King.  The longer we refuse to accept the truth about ourselves, the longer it takes for us to recognize Christ as the Master of our lives.  We will never find our true identity in what others say about us, or even what we say about ourselves.  But immediately when the Lord speaks the truth about us and we receive it, we are set free to see Him for who He is.  God can only reveal Himself to those of us who speak the truth about ourselves in our hearts (Psalm 15:2). 

The Lord shows us what is wrong in us, because He loves us as our Father; and He wants us to repent and be cleansed, so we can enjoy unbroken fellowship with Him.  He shows us what’s right in us, because it confirms His hand upon us, and assures us He’s shaping us in the image of Jesus.  God becomes real to us when we are real with Him.  May we all be “real” like Nathanael – so God can truly reveal Himself to us!