January 4, 2016

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?” John 3:1-10

When we approach reading the bible, there are several ways to take on this new journey. You can read it like a novel, reading chapter after chapter. This may be a first good try, and many will be enriched by reading the bible in this manner. What you will discover are words you have either heard in worship or in the every day vernacular. If you are a reader, this will seem the most comfortable. Another way to read is to take in just a few verses at a time – which will lead to chapter after chapter. It is a slower way to read, but allows you time to think more deeply about what you are reading.

The most important thing about reading the bible is this: “Remain Open”. Nicodemus is a good example for us to consider. He came to see Jesus and obviously he was afraid, because he came at night, under the protection of darkness. Now, that may not sound like he was open to this experience, but remember Nicodemus still went to see him. He wanted to hear more, so even though he went incognito, he still went. And Nicodemus wanted to learn even though he didn’t initially understand. He continued to ask questions, continued to seek knowledge, even when Jesus seems to belittle him: “You are Israel’s teacher and you do not understand these things?” And still, throughout the time that Jesus taught, Nicodemus must have remained open, because he was there to accompany Joseph of Arimathea when they asked for the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.

Remain open to hearing things new – hearing them with “Fresh Ears” – which is tomorrow’s topic.

Pastor Dave