October 10, 2021
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
~John 3:1-4~
How many of us are speaking a certain way to please those around us? How many of us are acting only when others find it necessary for us to? Are we attempting to stay in line with what the world considers to be "right and true" or are we able to be bold for the Lord and step out of that comfort zone?
If there's one thing I know about following Jesus it is that you will certainly be rediculed for it, judged by those you thought agreed with you and mocked for doing things unheard of. Jesus of course warns us of this lifestyle as we love Him completely; "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
(Matthew 5:12)
Following Jesus does not get easier but it surely is rewarding to do so. It takes courage to take a leap of faith. This is what Nicodemus was doing as he asked his questions to Jesus this day. A man of the Pharisees, he lived under Jewish law and I am sure would of been considered to be abominable for speaking to this man Jesus. The Pharisees ridiculed and scorned our Lord as He spoke the truth from above. He represented something they could not understand and yet this did not stop Nicodemus from being curious for more. He stepped out of his comfort zone, he took a risk when it could of meant being rediculed himself. Nicodemus asked all the right questions and received his answers. He took a leap of faith in doing so. "nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith." (I Timothy 1:4)
What is the Lord asking you to do right now that may look foolish to everyone around you? Are you willing to be a fool for faith? I know what it is to be called in such a way that makes others uncomfortable, resentful and concerned for their reputation. I also know what it is to take that leap and see the Lord work on my behalf. I urge you, if there is anything within your heart Jesus has placed there, whether it be a question as Nicodemus had, a role to play that is odd to the world or a specific way of living that does not line up with what seems right to others; take that leap of faith with Him. You will not be disappointed. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)
Faith requires us to be bold, courageous and confident in what He can do for us, not what others can. Let us all be like Nicodemus and not be afraid to look "silly to those around us." Let us declare and mean it when we say "with God all things are possible."
There is the major tip; saying and believeing are two different things. Faith requires us to really trust in nothing more then what Jesus has to say. "So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done."
(Matthew 21:21)
The concept of being reborn was foolishness to the Pharisees, yet Nicodemus' love for God caused him to take that step out of his "normal" and talk to Jesus Christ. It is time for us to take the word of God to heart just as he did. Let us not be afraid, for what so ever He calls us into, He is faithful to bring us to the end of it. Those who redicule, reject or judge us for doing so are certainly ones to dust off and give to the Lord. It is not our job to change anyone's minds. Take that leap! It will be worth it.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for leading me on this journey that may seem silly to some around me. I know You will be with me for all of it. The words I speak will come right from Holy Spirit as I surrender all to You. I trust in Your ways, not my own and not others. Lead me Lord into my purpose no matter what that means. Let it bring glory to Your Name and increase the faith of those around us. Your ways are perfect and good. Fill me with the boldness to do and speak what is true. Shine into me the light of Your peace so that I may withstand against trials as I take this leap of faith with You. In Your Name, above all Names I pray. Amen.