Monday after the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, 1/29/00

John 1: 47--49 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him and said, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael answered 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." Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel." --NASB

In the name of the One Who knows all things, amen.

In this passage we see that Jesus not only could see Nathanael from a great distance, but that He also know the thoughts of his heart. Is it a frightening thing for you to realize that Jesus knows the thoughts of your heart, or is it a comfort? I ask this because Jesus does know the thoughts of our hearts. It is sometimes a little difficult for us to believe that, because in appearance Jesus is just a man. But because Jesus is also true God, He knows the thoughts of your heart. On the One hand that is a disturbing thing. All my thoughts and attitudes are laid bare before Jesus. I cannot hide anything from Him.

Yet, when we remember that Jesus came to earth because He loves us, the fear disappears, and it is replaced by the comforting knowledge that Jesus knows what troubles us. He knows our needs and desires. He even knows our guilt and reminds us of forgiveness. So, in the end it is very comforting to know that Jesus knows the thoughts of your heart. Amen.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, you know the things that trouble me--both my fears and my guilt. Remind me often of the salvation that You won for me, so that I may rejoice in the fact that You know my thoughts, amen.