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- Oct 26, 2007
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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." John 3:1-2 NKJV
Nicodemus had been trying to get into God’s kingdom by dependence on his Jewish lineage and slavery to human traditions—and was frustrated. “you’ll never get there that way,” Jesus told him. “Time to change direction.
Youo can only get where you want to go by being born again.” Nicodemus had no idea what Jesus was talking about, but God already had said repeatedly that people would need new hearts.
To make sure Nicodemus wouldn’t miss a single turn, Jesus patiently explained the way in even more detail. Jesus said, in effect: “In a mysterious way, the Holy Spirit brings about new birth. It happens when you believe in Me, for I will be lifted up so you can be healed from all sin. When you trust in Me I’ll give you eternal life. The only way you can get to heaven from here is if I take you. Believe Me, I’ve been there before and I’m definitely going back.”
Spoiler alert: Nicodemus believed!
Prayer: Resolute God, I don’t want to take any wrong turns. I believe You. Please keep me following You—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Nicodemus had been trying to get into God’s kingdom by dependence on his Jewish lineage and slavery to human traditions—and was frustrated. “you’ll never get there that way,” Jesus told him. “Time to change direction.
Youo can only get where you want to go by being born again.” Nicodemus had no idea what Jesus was talking about, but God already had said repeatedly that people would need new hearts.
To make sure Nicodemus wouldn’t miss a single turn, Jesus patiently explained the way in even more detail. Jesus said, in effect: “In a mysterious way, the Holy Spirit brings about new birth. It happens when you believe in Me, for I will be lifted up so you can be healed from all sin. When you trust in Me I’ll give you eternal life. The only way you can get to heaven from here is if I take you. Believe Me, I’ve been there before and I’m definitely going back.”
Spoiler alert: Nicodemus believed!
Prayer: Resolute God, I don’t want to take any wrong turns. I believe You. Please keep me following You—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
