G.R.O.W.

Lea and I just celebrated our 26th anniversary. We got away for a few days to celebrate and spend time growing our friendship at a nearby bed and breakfast. One evening we sat next to Watts Bar Lake in two rocking chairs and watched as the sun went down and the dark of night arrived. It was really pleasant to sit in the cool of the evening and talk and pray.

In the bible book of John chapter 3 verses 1-15 there is a story about a man named Nicodemus who was a really important man. He was actually called Israel's teacher which was a pretty big deal. He was a pretty important man, probably pretty respected and pretty smart. These words in the Bible tell us that Nico actually went to talk to Jesus at night time. Kind of interesting that it was night time. Maybe Nico didn't want to be seen with this rebel Jesus or maybe he wanted to approach Jesus in more of a "Damon and Lea by the lake" moment where the chaos of the day and the throngs of people wouldn't rival his time with Jesus. It really doesn't matter. What is special to see is that a man who apparently has a lot going for him as Israel's teacher pursued Jesus. He went to find Him. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. And some important things happened. Jesus told Israel's teacher about being "born again", about entering into real relationship with God. He received Nico's questions about being born again, because he didn't understand. And He challenged Nico about him being Israel's teacher and not understanding about being born again.

And all the while, He was fighting for Nico to grow. He received Nico's words at night because He wanted him to grow. G.R.O.W. God Receives Our Words. He receives your words and mine. Your questions and mine. Night or day. He is fighting for you to grow.

The words of the bible in the book of John chapter 3 say, "He came to Jesus at night....". Come to Jesus. Come to Him. He's fighting for you to grow. When he took the nails and the spear on the cross...He was fighting for you to grow.

We never hear anything else about Nicodemus after this night encounter with Jesus until right after Jesus took the nails on the cross for you and me. We don't know how their conversation affected Nico. But after Jesus was dead, two men asked to take care of Jesus' body out of honor and respect. One was Joseph from Arimathea and the other was Nicodemus (John 19:38-39). Nicodemus. Something happened to Nicodemus when he encountered Jesus, when God (Jesus) received his words that night. Now Nicodemus quietly tends the body of the dead Savior.

Go to Jesus. He receives your words.

There's more.