There’s something exciting happening. Everyone is going. Will someone ask you to come along?
When we first heard that Peter Kay was doing a new show in 2010, we were very keen to go. At one time we lived in Bolton, and the children grew up on Peter Kay’s comedy. When he mentioned Green Lane, we knew where he meant; we knew the bingo hall; Phoenix Nights was filmed round the corner (and one of our sons was once in a crowd scene!). It was all local.
So we decided we would make the trip back to Manchester to see it. But Mr Pamsperambulation and I didn’t want to go by ourselves, it was part of our family heritage, so messages were sent to the children (by this time independent adults!),
We’re going, do you want to come?
The occasion, the experience was something to be shared.
(in the end the plan fell apart as the only dates available, we were on holiday… but the plan was a good one)
As Jesus sets off on the beginning of his ministry, he meets Philip, and says to him,
Come with me!
Jesus invites him along, he gives him the opportunity to be a part of all that is going to happen.
Not only does Philip decide that he will go along, but he goes and invites Nathanael to come with him. Philip is convinced that Jesus is THE ONE – the one that Moses and the prophets had written about. He wants Nathanael to share in it.
Nathanael’s response is heart breaking.
Can anything good come from Nazareth?
In that one cutting comment and instant dismissal, he almost missed the most amazing opportunity he would ever be offered. How easily he was willing to rubbish something because of where it came from.
I wonder if sometimes we miss opportunities? How we miss glimpses of God and seeing what he is doing, because we instantly dismiss them because of their origin. Do we easily rubbish some people because of who they are or where they come from? We may be dismissing God.
Fortunately for Nathanael, Philip doesn’t give up,
Come and see
he invites him again. Don’t make an ill-informed or biased decision. Come and see for yourself. And to Nathanael’s credit, he does. And is able to declare for himself
Teacher, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!
Nathanael was able to put aside he pre-conceived ideas, his mis-conceptions and his personal prejudices – and he discovered Jesus and all he had to offer him.
So, are we willing to come and see? To be prepared to encounter God in the places we least expect to?
Jesus is here. He is the one. Will you come and see?
Forgive me Lord
for the times I fail to see you,
because I have my own ideas
about where you will be,
what you will be doing,
and who will lead me to you.
Give me a willingness to come and see –
to discover you anew,
to see what you are doing.
May I not respond from a place of prejudice,
or superiority,
or thinking I know best;
but be open to you
in all ways.
Lord,
I’m coming with you
