Am I missing something?

I have had cause to study a chap by the name of Nicodemus as I preached on him in a church recently. You see there are a number of people who are just like Nicodemus in our churches today, and I have to say, sometimes I have been in danger of becoming just like him too!

Now don't get me wrong, Nicodemus was not a bad man - on the contrary, he was a devout Jew, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. He knew God's law and lived his life by it every day. He had a senior position in the Jewish leadership and was a wealthy man, but there was still something missing!

Despite his wealth, his status, his lineage, he knew that there was something missing. He knew there was something more than just this and he wanted it! When Jesus came along preaching with such authority, bringing the old law to life, and performing miracles, Nicodemus could see that Jesus was sent by God. So he arranged a meeting to speak with Jesus to find out more.

One night, he met with Jesus and was astounded by the answers Jesus gave to his questions. Wealth, status, and birthright come to nothing before God. It is not what is important! What is important is accepting Jesus as the son of God and saviour of mankind. Jesus told Nicodemus that the physical life is not the key, but the spiritual birth, being born again, was.

It is not something that is reserved for the extremely good folk, or for those with degrees in theology, or the descendants of priests, it is available to anyone in the world, no matter what colour of skin, sex, faith background. Jesus wants everyone to come to know him.

Well, month two of sabbatical, and I continue to learn more about him; I enjoy the moments I can spend meditating on his teaching and learning more of his nature. If you are asking "Am I missing something?" then I can guarantee Jesus can provide the answer. Even if you have been going to church and following the traditions week in, week out just like Nicodemus, then Jesus is the answer!