But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."
John 2:24-25 and John 3:1-2
John chapter two ends by revealing Jesus capacity to discern and ?know? mankind?s ability - that is, our potential to do good and bad. Then chapter three opens with Nicodemus.
Here comes a man to Jesus by night. Was he a coward afraid to be seen with Jesus by day? Or was he simply trying to catch a busy teacher by night when things were less hectic? We may guess at the answer, but Jesus could look straight at him and discern the truth.
Our actions are not always a reflection of our motives? Nor are the most obvious things always the right ones.
May God grant us godly discernment as we set our feet down on another year.
Nicodemus learnt from his encounter with Jesus (John 7:50-53). While all his colleagues considered Jesus as the ?enemy? he had discovered something better.
Nicodemus discernment gave him the ability to focus on what was profitable (John 19:38-42).
Before you rush to place your goals and focus on anything this year, ask God for godly discernment. Are you focussing on the right things? Or are you just ?flowing with the stream of popular opinion?.
Nicodemus was among the wrong crowd but not part of them. His encounter with Jesus gradually led to clarity in his life.
The worst position to be in is to not even know that something is amiss.
Are you spending so much time worrying about your position among men that you have forgotten about your condition before God?
May 2008 be the year we lay more emphasis on discerning the heart of God and living that way.
As believers, we get more of God?s kingdom on earth by living the right way rather than talking the right talk.
It is not simply what you say that makes a difference but what you do. Let?s strive to be doers.
God bless you.
Dele Oke
Living Word Library
www.wordlibrary.co.uk
January 2008