John 3:16 One of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, came to Jesus at night---this learned ruler didn't want to be seen in the daytime. He called Jesus by the name Rabbi meaning that Nicodemus credited Jesus as the Messiah. Wonder if Nicodemus was proud of himself for coming all this way over where Jesus was to learn from Him in the darkness? Wonder if he expected Jesus to pat him on the back for his good question? Nicodemus never knew that the answer that Jesus gave him would be recorded in history for 2,000 years. The answer is the heart of every sermon preached
Jesus answers this Ruler of many who has raised a question that needs spiritual vision to solve. Spiritual Eyes. No one can see the Kingdom of God unless you are born again. Born of Water and the Spirit. The wind blows as it wishes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes--- so is everyone born of the Spirit. Nicodemus is a teacher of Israel yet he doesn't understand these things. Jesus Christ, the Living Word, made flesh. For God so loved the world...He gave His Son...that we would not perish but have life. Nicodemus came in darkness---did he find the Light? But the real question that flows out of today's reading is this. Will I find the Light of His Love in my own corners of Darkness---those things only my God knows about. Will I let Him, today, shine His Light on my arrogance, my demandingness, my unkindness? Will I walk away from this day with a little more Light for my path? Help us all to really see, O Light of the World! Immeasurable Love!
Each victory over sin reveals another army of evil tendencies,
and I am never able to sheathe my sword, nor cease from prayer and watchfulness.
I cannot advance an inch without praying my way,
nor keep the inch I gain without watching and standing fast.
Grace alone can preserve and perfect me. Charles Spurgeon
"If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?"
ReplyDeleteTrust. When we have been deceived by so many people on earth, it does make it difficult to truly, truly believe in something we cannot see with our very own eyes. I'm glad the words, "Born Again" don't scare me like they used to. I used to think people who were "Born Again" were a little off. Who would think I'd be on a blog writing these words today? It's only by Faith and the Grace of God.
Love, your little "off" but happy friend.
After finishing Luke, I noticed how many times the Bible said the disciples and others were "prevented from seeing" or "eyes weren't opened." Here it is again referring to spiritual vision. Open my eyes Lord Jesus that I may see and lighten the dark corners of my life that I may reflect You in the daily grind of work, being a mom and trying to be an encouragment to my husband during his ongoing health issues.
ReplyDelete"Born again" falls under that category, People Who Despise You Because of Me. The words have taken on such a bad rap the last few years, but we must even more so wear them as our banner.
ReplyDeleteWhen we show the world what walking with Jesus looks like, we probably won't change their opinion. I only pray I am not one who drags Jesus's name through the mud, but I probably won't cause someone who has his opinion set about radical Christianity to change his mind either. I pray for spiritual eyes to see and the humility to walk in love. I'll try to leave the rest up to Him!
For God so loved the world--how much He loves us!
What's up with blogger???
ReplyDeleteCompeting? With Christ?
John sure had dicernment to understand this was no match. He was blessed to be eyewitness to the One from heaven coming at the same time he was baptizing.
How perfect his response was, and how simple.
"He must increase, and I must decrease."
I am fortunate to know you pearls. There is no competition here with our relationships. Our earthly relationships are centered in our deep love for God and His Son. And the gift He left us, The Spirit and The Word.
I always want to put Christ first. Me last.
With each one of us, I believe it is the same.
I have no time for running a popularity contest. The race I run is serious and has life and death consequences.
I pray that we WOULD run this race and complete it for His Glory.
I couldn't get on blogger for 24 hours. Going to try again. Thanks for your kind patience.
ReplyDelete