John 3:16 He was looking for wisdom and understanding…as a religious leader, Nicodemus had access to biblical truth, but tonight he wanted, needed…more. Under the cover of night, he sought out Jesus, One Who’d already begun ‘stirring up the water…’. Jesus told Nicodemus why He’d come, He spoke of things yet to come, the Holy Spirit, heavenly things, His death on the cross…and salvation through God’s Mercy and Grace. The belief of the day was the Messiah would come with an army to overthrow the Romans, releasing Israel from oppression and establishing His kingdom on earth. But God…His plan was both bigger and better. What made the difference between temporary and eternal Hope is an unending, unconditional love for His creation. How far would He go to accomplish His will? The children of Israel were a stiff-necked, disobedient, rebellious people led by a priesthood that had become corrupt. Why them if not for the covenant promise He made to Abraham? ‘I will be your God, and you will be My people’. Jesus tells Nicodemus that love fully accomplished, completed what was necessary to open the gates of heaven, to those who believe. The sacrifice would be no small sacrifice, His Son…Himself, in the flesh, would be required in order to secure our redemption, taking the penalty for sins off the table… God‘s purpose from the beginning was to show us the Good Way that we would choose to walk in it, that we would choose the Light. Lord, this Truth is essential to Your purpose, we search for the meaning of life… Yet, it’s right here, sacrificial love for others. Help us to live like that for Your Glory.
