Observation to Experience (1)

Observation to Experience – John3
Nic came to Jesus one evening. He had heard what others said about Jesus, and undoubtedly heard Jesus speaking in public or at the Jewish education center. Perhaps, Nic was curious. Aren’t we all? Likely, he was dissatisfied with his spiritual life. Being a religious leader can lead to isolation, even in the midst of crowds. It can drive one to question the basic premise and purposes of life. I know. For whatever reason, Nic came to investigate Jesus personally to fill in the gaps. He was not sure even what questions to bring. There was so much that seemed to be missing from his personal and communal spirituality. Maybe Jesus could help him. Yes, Nic’s venture to find out about Jesus was to discover the truth.
Much has been speculated why he came under the cover of darkness. Was it to avoid the stinging comments of his religious friends? Could it have been that the Gospel writer included this factoid in order to play out the image of one who lived in the darkness and sought the light of truth? (Remember, this is the same author that penned the book, Revelation (the Apocalypse). Whatever the motivation, the important thing is that he came to check things out for himself. The very thing the God of the universe invites us to do.
Nic had been impressed by the work and words of Jesus. He recognized that God must be with him in light of the miracles. From that simple confession, Jesus challenged this man to consider a new paradigm for living. Instead of thinking of oneself as being a person born (physical pre-set), into a family (social pre-set), and a set of circumstances (historical pre-set), think of yourself being born spiritually into God’s family without limitations that our old (current) paradigm places upon us. Wow.
It is not a quick or easy task to adopt a new paradigm. It does take faith to see it and time to understand it. It requires courage to risk implementation (or even experimentation). Personal struggle, honesty, and openness to accept where it leads and what it presents. A new paradigm is a new beginning.
Jesus pressed Nic on the necessity of a spiritual birth. Being born physically required nothing on our part. Being born spiritually is quite a different matter. Being born of water and the Spirit, we enter the Kingdom of God. The “Welcome” mat is on the front step. Can you see it?
Here’s the paradox. You cannot see until you are spiritually born (John 3:3). You cannot enter until you see (John 3:5). No wonder there is no recorded decision that Nic made that evening. Like him, because we come in our humanity, it takes time, faith, courage, openness, and honesty to embrace and enter this new life paradigm. If you are reading this, I am guessing that you are open, or at least curious.
Dear God, Whoever you are, I want to meet You, know You, and fully live. Help me to accept You for who You are. –Thank You.