Jesus knew all men. He knew what was in man. (John 2:24-25) When a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews came to Him at night and wanted to ask Him about God, Jesus told him straight that he has to be born again before he can see the kingdom of God or understand matters about God. Jesus tried to explain to him one has to be born of the Spirit and becomes attuned to spiritual matters first. Poor teacher Nick (my short name for Nicodemus) did not know what Jesus was talking about.
So Jesus said, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” (John 3:10)
Nick was not just an ordinary uneducated man on the street. He was one of the top national elites who ruled the religious, political and social lives of the people. He was a powerful man, well educated, well respected and was supposed to be teaching others about God. Yet Jesus said he did not know God.
Does this sound familiar? Many claim to be important in the churches but do not know God. Jesus said this of teacher Nick because he did not know or understand God in the spirit. God is Spirit. There is no other way to know Him. If anyone claims he knows all about God (through head knowledge only) the person is blind or not telling the truth. Does knowing God really matter? Jesus said, to know God and Jesus is eternal life! What is the point of being a well respected teacher in your church but do not have eternal life?
How did teacher Nick accept the “shocking” comment and teaching from Jesus? He respected Jesus and heard Him out. The Bible recorded that he spoke out for Jesus once in front of his own Pharisees peers, and later openly brought expensive spices to prepare Jesus for burial after the crucifixion.
My application:
Continue to seek God and wait upon Him, in His presence, through worship, singing hymns, reading His words (the Bible), praying, and being still before God.
Last night I attended a “waiting upon God” worship service and teaching. We worshipped for an hour. After that it was sermon time. But we were then told to lift up our hands, as a sign of total surrender to God, for the entire hour of “sermon” (waiting training). The pastor read some Bible verses and spoke a few sentences occasionally as led by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise we just waited in silence with our hands lifted up. After a long time he said we could prostrate on the floor as led by the Spirit. He told us to cast our worries and make our utmost request then. God will answer. I made a request silently about the intercession I have been making yesterday morning.
Towards the end of the session, the pastor quietly read two psalms and said that some of us will find answer and encouragement. When I heard the last two verses of the first psalm, I heard my answer. It was also confirmed by the second psalm! (He read Psalms 27 and 62)
I used to be like teacher Nick and knew nothing about spiritual matters. I did not know God the way He wanted me to know Him then. Now I begin to see and hear (despite moving with tortoise speed). I would encourage you too to seek and practice consistently. You will find that God likes to be found and He will meet you in ways that really surprise you.
I pray that you too will soon see and hear God.
AAA Jack
May 29, 2009
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