170. The Israelite Indeed.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! - John 1:47.

THIS is a chapter of "beholds." We are first to "Behold the Lamb of God," and then to behold a man of God.

Nathanael was simple, straightforward, honest, "an Israelite indeed."

In this he was not like his great progenitor, Jacob, who was a supplanter, and not a prince with God, till that memorable night when the angel wrestled with him, and withered his carnal strength. Then, in the weakness of that simplicity which laid hold upon the mighty One, Jacob became Israel (Gen. 27:36; 32:28). A sincere and simple character was not common in our Lord's day. It is despised by many at this day.

It was greatly appreciated by our Lord, who has the same character in perfection, and is truly called "the holy child Jesus?'

This characteristic of guilelessness is ---

I. A HAPPY SIGN IN A SEEKER.

We will illustrate this by Nathanael's procedure.

1. He is the sort of man to whom disciples like to speak. "Philip findeth Nathanael" (verse 45).

2. He is outspoken with his difficulties, and therefore his friends see how to meet them. "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (verse 46).

3. He is ready to apply the proper tests "Come and see" (verse 46).

4. He is honest in his use of those tests. Our Lord saw that Nathanael was no captious critic, nor idly-curious observer (verse 47).

5. He is open to conviction if fair evidence be supplied. As soon as our Lord proved his omniscience Nathanael believed (verse 48).

6. He is ready to make confession (verse 49).

7. He is prepared to proceed far in the school of Christ. The Lord promised him the sight of greater things because he was prepared to see them (verses 50 and 51).

An Israelite is the man to know "the King of Israel" (verse 49).

An Israelite is the man to understand the famous dream of the father of all Israelites (verse 51; Gen. 28:12).

II. A VITAL POINT IN A BELIEVER.

The truly upright man, and he only, can be a Christian.

l. A sense of pardon removes the temptation to guile: we cease to excuse ourselves when pardon is received (Ps. 51).

2. A reception of Christ as "the truth" causes guile to be hated.

3. A truthful assurance of the gospel prevents a hypocritical faith.

4. A complete consecration to the Lord puts an end to a double-minded life, and to all false aims and maxims.

5. A sense of the presence of God makes guile appear absurd.

6. A brave faith in God causes it to appear mean and cowardly.

III. A SURE PRODUCER OF OTHER QUALITIES.

1. It makes a man love his Bible. Nathanael was familiar with the law and the prophets.

2. It makes him pray. He is an Israelite (Gen. 32:28).

3. It leads him to be much alone. "Under the fig-tree" (verse 48).

4. It makes him wear his heart in his countenance. "Behold an Israelite indeed."

5. It prepares him to behold the pure and true glories of heaven.

Who among us is renowned for cleverness, craft, shrewdness, and the critical faculty in general?

Let him be afraid of the much-admired quality of cleverness.

The absence of simplicity is by no means a healthy sign.

Let us be true in any case, and may the Lord teach us his truth!