John 3:10-21 Maturing - Be Coachable
A short(ish) blog today as I know you have stuff to do! As brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s good for us to find ways to encourage and motivate each other to grow in Christ. We are to be like Nicodemus, who could have been home sitting around a fire and watching Netflix with his wife, but instead, he went out and met with Jesus. We are to be men and women of action. The Bible tells us to be strong and courageous (we are the land of the free and the home of the brave!) (1 Chronicles 28:20).
So let's be strong and brave, but in a Christian way, not in an arrogant prideful way. The Bible tells us to act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart (2 Chronicles 19:9). Let that be our mindset.
A Christian is coachable; we're willing and able to humbly mature. Like Nicodemus, we must go to Jesus Christ to do that. Be coachable. Let the Spirit of Christ teach us. Jesus told Nicodemus, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things?” (3:10). Can Jesus say the same of us? I’m wrestling with that this morning and know I must grow in understanding and holiness.
When we assess our families, communities, corporations, churches, government and armed forces, etc. we see a lot of good - of course we do. And yet we see a lot of unprepared preachers unwilling to be honest, divided in loyalty, and desperately uncoachable. We see puffed-up leaders rather than gentle, direct, and loving men. We see broken families with dads unwilling to stop bad behaviors. A failure to obey Christ. I’m thankful that many are getting serious about fixing our families, communities, and country. While some look at our 30 trillion debt and have not a concern in the world, others are ready, willing, and able to do their part to build - starting with reconciling relationships in our home and our community. Strong countries start with a strong faith in Christ and it grows out from there.
We have a much bigger debt than what our governments owe. Jesus died on the cross to pay for all our sins. Not only are we flawed people (I was told recently how awful it was that I make such a claim), but worse still, we are sinners with a nature rebellious to our Creator.
Nicodemus saw and heard Jesus - he was perplexed yet convicted by the signs and miracles, and the authority he heard in Jesus' voice. He was humble and wise enough to do the unthinkable. He approached Jesus and asked to understand how to be right with God. Jesus gave Nicodemus not only the meaning of life - to know God and be in the Kingdom of God - but the only way to escape this evil world: to look at the Risen Son of God for the forgiveness of sins and for a new life - eternal life.
Nicodemus was old when he approached Jesus. We are not too old to grow. Nor to encourage our friends to grow. We all must get right with God and help others do the same.
Lord Jesus, we hear Your powerful truth this morning in the precious and powerful words written by John. We hear that everyone who believes in You will not perish but have eternal life. Thank you that there is no death for anyone who trusts in You. Thank You that You are returning soon and that You bring Your reward with You on Judgment day to give to everyone according to what we have done. You are the Alpha and Omega and we hold to hope in You alone. Amen.
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