Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?

“And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’”– John 1:46 (NKJV)

Where are you from? What family were you born in? Are people surprised by your accomplishments due to your family background, place of birth, race or nationality? Have you limited your scope due to these factors? Have you ever asked the question, “Can anything good come out of…. ?”

Nathanael asks this question about Jesus when Phillip introduces Him as the prophet from Nazareth, Philip’s response is, “Come and see.”

Prior to the birth of Christ, Nazareth was not an important part of the national and religious life of Israel. It had a bad reputation in morals and religious life. Even the Galilean language had a crudeness to it. Due to these factors, Nathanael is surprised that the Messiah would come from Nazareth or be identified by it. God has an interesting sense of humor. He chooses to bring greatness out of a place or a person who seems unlikely; the less likely the human possibilities, the more likely the divine possibility.

The Lord laid upon our hearts to relocate the Nehemiah Project headquarters to Portland, Oregon in 2010. As we contemplated the move, we asked, “Why Portland?” Even after we moved, many who live in Portland asked us the same question. They are asking, in other words, “If you could move anywhere else in the country, why would you choose a place so liberal, so un-churched, one of the least ethnically diverse in the country, and one of the cities hardest hit economically during the recession that year. Can anything good come out of Portland?” The good news is good things can come out of any place where God is present and there is a righteous remnant who are committed to His will. I ask all who are curious about “Why Portland?” to take a visit and see a city where, despite its challenges, God is moving in a dynamic way in the marketplace. From weekly small groups to networking events, to philanthropy, to social transformation, to equipping His people, God is at work in Portland. Prophetically, Portland will serve as one of the model cities of what God can do when people come together across denominational, political, and ethnic lines to bring community transformation for His glory.

I come from a well-to-do family in Cameroon, Africa, however, because I was born in Africa. However, because I was born in Africa, viewed as rebellious and very playful by my family, relocated to America at a young age, did not speak English at all, did not go to seminary or have an MBA, many thought, “Can anything good come out of that boy?” My response is, “Wait and see.”

What has held you back? Whom have you allowed to define your destiny? No matter your origin, race, education, or circumstances, if you commit your works to the Lord and trust Him with your life and business, He will do more through you than you can hope or imagine. If it does not happen on this side of glory, wait until you get to heaven. You will be amazed. So the next time you are asked, “Can anything good come out of…?” Just respond, “Wait and see.” As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas season, remember where our Savior came from, remember what He did, and remember His words, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12).

My prayer for you this week is that God will help you tap into the potential within you that you may walk out His plan for your life despite your circumstances and background.