Jesus is bringing it
home. Nicodemus is in the proverbial
valley of decision. Jesus makes his
appeal in the plural (both ways) to soften the impact of the statement. When he says "we" he is really
talking about himself. His point is that
he is not sharing second-hand truth and testimony. What he is sharing is first-hand
information. He knows it because he has
actually seen what he is talking about.
When he say
"you" he is referring to Nicodemus and to all those who resist the
preponderance of evidence found in the Holy Scripture and the Living Word. Nicodemus is not only familiar with the
biblical narrative, but he is talking with the WORD! The conversation he is having with this teacher
from Nazareth is providing the evidence to the fact that he is not just another
itinerant preacher. The news he has
heard about his miracles both in Galilee and around Jerusalem has given him
more evidence to consider. He knows what
the evidence is telling him, but he is resisting.
There have been times
in my life when I have resisted the truth.
The truth is not always pleasant or comfortable. It can actually be quite acerbic and grating,
but it does not make it untrue. Moments
of conviction are seminal times that require a choice be made.
Nicodemus is being battered by the winds of the Spirit and his life is
in the balance. As with him, the
evidence is there for me, but the evidence against making a commitment is also
strong and compelling. It boils down to
a choice between the tangible and the unseen-- the senses and the soul. Honestly, on face value, it’s a tough choice
requiring surrendering the things we see and touch for that which can only be
experienced through faith. Is it worth
it? Jesus is stating his case for the
affirmative. I'm listening....
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