MAY 10, 2025

 

“God doesn't bless us just to make us happy; He blesses us to make us a blessing.”  

― Warren W. Wiersbe

1 KINGS 21-22

41Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 43In everything he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

JOHN 3:1-21

 1Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”3Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^a ”4“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”5Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^b gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^c must be born again.’ 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”^d9“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.10“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?

JOURNAL 

In John 3:1-21, we find Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, coming to Jesus at night. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God, recognizing the miracles Jesus performed as proof of God's presence. Yet, he struggles profoundly with the spiritual truths Jesus presents. Jesus tells him plainly that "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3). Nicodemus is confused, unable to comprehend how an adult could be reborn physically. Jesus clarifies that being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth—one must be "born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). The Spirit, like the wind, moves freely and unpredictably—you feel it, witness its effects, but cannot control it or predict its direction (John 3:8).

Reflecting on Nicodemus' confusion makes me think about my own spiritual understanding. Like Nicodemus, there are moments when I fail to fully grasp spiritual truths, attempting instead to manage my faith as something predictable and controllable. The Jews of Nicodemus' time had turned God's laws into tools for shame and control, moving far from their intended purpose of healing, freedom, and hope. Jesus offered something revolutionary—true forgiveness, freedom, and hope accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or position in life.

Nicodemus was thoroughly trained in scripture but missed the essence of Jesus' message. It challenges me to examine if I, too, am missing the deeper spiritual truths Jesus offers. Jesus didn’t come for those who believed they already had everything figured out, but for those needing genuine hope and transformation. He extends an open invitation to everyone—regardless of background, race, or history—to experience a new, transformative hope.

Thinking further, this is a problem that extends beyond faith alone. Whenever we assume we have all the answers, or worse, fear discovering new truths, we stagnate and cease to grow. Growth is essential and ongoing; we never fully "arrive" while here on earth. Becoming prideful or dismissive is a clear sign that our growth, particularly in our relationship with God, has stalled. Instead, embracing humility and openness allows us to continually deepen our understanding and relationship with Him.

16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

John 3:16-17