The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2
They say ignorance is bliss, but to know and not do, that would have to be utter insanity. John records of a gentleman, a Pharisee that comes to Jesus by night. His name was Nicodemus. He was a member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish Council) at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Take a moment and dissect the dialog with me if you would. “Rabbi”, he acknowledges Jesus is a teacher that studies, teaches, and lives the Law. Next, “We know that though art a teacher come from God.” What an incredible statement to make, and at the same time, an incredible atrocity. Then also, look how he came to Jesus, by night under the cover of darkness.
Does not the scripture declare in James 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Yet in spite of what we know, we want to live our testimony under the guise of darkness. We sound like Ole Nicodemus himself. We want our friends and Jesus too.
Maybe this is where country music Hall of Fame member Ben Peterson picked up the idea to the lyrics of the hit song the late Kenny Rogers sang, “Daytime friends and Nighttime Lovers.” Please don’t judge me for the reference, but truth is this is exactly how this generation is living.
We know, but don’t do. We want a relationship with Jesus, but not at the cost of our friends, position, status, or social standing. We will never change the world and have a true relationship and freedom if we do not bring to light who we really love.
Our prayer for you this week: May God grant you the courage to bring to light who you really love.