God's Love

John 3:1-3, “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Who was Nicodemus? He was a very prominent man, a religious leader---a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. If anyone should have known who Jesus was it should have been Nicodemus. Maybe it was that he did know who Jesus was that made him come to see him at night so that he would not be seen talking to the Savior. After all he had a reputation to uphold. Yet there was something that was tugging at his heart that made him want to come to Jesus. So in the shadows of night he crept out and went to speak to Jesus.
How many times to we do like Nicodemus? Instead of professing our faith in God openly we cower back in a corner afraid someone will think we are a Christian. We hang around in the background of conversations hoping no one will notice us. We sure don’t want anyone to know we go to church or pray or that God is special to us. We don’t want anyone to see our faith. Jesus sees us. He knows what is in every heart. He knows if we are hiding and ashamed to be seen with the Lord.
Jesus understood the religious climate of his day. He understands the climate of today. He also understood that to be a follower of His one could not be half-hearted. You either were with him or against him. He knows the warfare that is raging in every heart. He knew why Nicodemus came and what he was looking for. Jesus did not make an exception just because Nicodemus was religious. He still makes no exceptions ---He still demands our unbridled commitment, faith and dedication.
Jesus told this very religious man what he had to do to get to heaven. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” When Nicodemus met the Lord his life changed. Jesus is the same today as He was then. He still is the only way we can get to heaven. For no man and come to the father but through Jesus. If religion would get you there Nicodemus had all the keys. Problem was none of his keys fit the door. We have the same problem today---we think we have the keys but unless we are born again our keys don’t fit either.
There is no doubt Nicodemus recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He knew all about Him but it was not until he came to Jesus and opened his heart that he came to know Jesus. It was not something he could explain. He did not fully understand how he felt. Undoubtedly God’s love and forgiveness drew him to the Savior. It was not until he witnessed God’s love displayed on the cross of Calvary that he fully understood God’s love. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you today listen and come to know Jesus and let him change your life.