A true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.
—John 1:47
When Nathanael was told that Jesus of Nazareth was the one Moses and the prophets had written about, he sneered: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” I give a thumbs-down to Nathanael. But Jesus gave him a thumbs-up, calling him an “Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.”
And Simon Peter? His faith faltered, his courage crumbled, he made promises he didn’t keep . . . the list of his flaws is long. Jesus knew all of them but saw beyond them: You’re a rock, man. Strengthen your brothers. Take care of my sheep.
God knows all of your weaknesses but sees beyond them—he sees you as holy, loved, called, chosen, faithful (Col 3:12; Rv 17:14); he sees you as justified, saved, reconciled, righteous (Rom 5:9, 10, 19).
Some see your flaws.
God sees your faith.