John 1: 48 I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.

What are you occupying your time with under the fig tree? This thing called life. Can your Lord commend you? Jesus found Philip and recruited him as a follower. Philip went out and invited a skeptical Nathanael to come and meet Jesus. I say skeptical because Nathanael’s response to Philip’s invitation was “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” The place must have had a not so good reputation. Nevertheless, when Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said: “Here is an Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Nathanael is quite taken aback and asked Jesus; “How do you know me?” Jesus said: “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

This understanding that God sees us wherever we are can be a source of fear, or of wonder, peace and great assurance depending on one’s relationship to God.  The believer’s position is one of covenant with God – a covenant which God himself administers. Romans 8:1 tells us: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”  Your Lord sees you, he knows you and he alone judges you correctly.

Nathanael made a confession of faith: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” (John 1:49). Jesus said: “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that. … I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 50-51).

God not only sees his children’s past but their present and future as well. This understanding should make us aware of our accountability for the lives we lead, but should also bring us great comfort because God has promised to never leave or forsake us.