Saturday: Day 16

Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?” John 3:9-10

             Nicodemus lived a successful life.  

             On Day 3 we read that most people live their lives on one of three levels. The first level might be called Survival. The second level might be called Success. And Nicodemus had lots of success! He was a Pharisee, which means that he was a part of a “brotherhood” of some of the best people there were. He spent hours and hour reading the Torah, memorizing and researching and thinking about how to be a devout follower of God. Nicodemus observed every detail of the scribal law in every moment of his life. He was revered and held in high esteem by many people around him. He was tremendously successful.

             But Nicodemus didn’t understand the grace of God. Jesus asked him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?” These things? Nicodemus knew the Law. He followed it better than anyone around him. But he was missing one key element. He was very “religious” in his search for God, and every element in his life was centered around his search.

             But being a follower of Jesus means knowing the One who is looking for us. Jesus is the One. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:14-16)

             Nicodemus lived a successful life. But Jesus gave him a life of significance. It’s not enough just to know about God; Nicodemus already knew a lot about God! But being a follower of Jesus means knowing the One who is looking for us; the One who came down from heaven, who is God, and who gave his life for us.  

             Nicodemus’ life was centered around control. Jesus asked him to center his life around the Spirit. Jesus asked him to be born again; born from “success” into a life of significance.

             Because it’s all about grace. And it’s all about Jesus. Knowing that brings you closer to a life of significance.

  

Questions to Ponder:     

•   What are some times that you’ve done been very successful? What did it take to accomplish that? What were the sacrifices and the rewards?
• What are some times that you’ve done something very significant? What did it take to accomplish that? What were the sacrifices and the rewards?
• What was more deeply fulfilling? The experiences of success? Or the experience of significance?

Prayer for Today: Gracious and loving God, I know that in Your eyes I am significant. Help me to see myself with Your eyes, so that I can humbly embrace your love for me and my life. Lead me into the path where you know it will best for me. My life is in your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.