Read John 3:1-36.
I am not one who likes to stay up late at night. When I am really tired, and it is late in the evening, there is not much that can convince me to stay awake. To have a conversation with Jesus like Nicodemus had in John chapter three, however, I would have stayed up all evening.
John chapter three recounts this conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that took place late one night. Perhaps Nicodemus was scared to be associated with Jesus because the majority of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not like Jesus. They often saw Him as a threat to their power and authority. Whatever the case, Nicodemus came to Jesus late in the evening to have a conversation with Him. As he met with Jesus, Nicodemus said to Him, “We all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you” (John 3:2). Jesus responded, saying, “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Confused by this statement, Nicodemus said, “What do you mean? How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” (verse 4). That’s a fair question, isn’t it? Nicodemus must have been so confused! Jesus explained that He was not talking about a physical re-birth. He was talking about a spiritual birth. You see, because of His death and resurrection, all who believe in Jesus will inherit eternal life. Toward the end of their conversation, Jesus explained that He brought light into the world. Those who do evil, He said, stay away from the light because they do not want to expose their sin, disobedience toward God (verse 20). Those who do right, He taught, come to the light and do what God wants them to do (verse 21).
When you consider your life, are you running from God’s light or toward it? Is there any sin, behavior that does not honor God, that you are continuing to live in? Are you refusing to bring that sin to the light of God by acknowledging it so that it could be exposed? My friend, as a follower of Christ, do not hide your sin. Instead, acknowledge it before God and other people so that you can take steps to leave that sin behind.
Take a few moments to reflect on your life? What sin are you refusing to expose and give to God? Bring it to God and acknowledge it. Acknowledging that sin to God is a step in the direction of turning from that sin. Take time today to come into the light through confessing that before God.
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