Shirley's Desk

A New Beginning

John 3:1-5

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Those of us who are blessed to have survived 2020 are ready for a new beginning. Although God has certainly been gracious, there are some things we would do over again if that were possible. Unfortunately, we cannot change the past, and some things are not in our control. We can, however, do as Nicodemus did in John, chapter 3-talk to Jesus!

Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews and a Pharisee. According to Wikipedia, the word Pharisee means separatist or one who is separated. He, like other Pharisees, had strict religious observances and practices and adhered to the oral laws and traditions. He shared with others in his sect the belief in the afterlife and the coming of the Messiah. He came at night to meet with Jesus. He began his conversation acknowledging that Jesus was sent from God saying, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2, NKJV) Obviously, his heart was pricked, and he wanted to know more about this man Jesus. I commend him for going directly to Jesus with his inquiry instead of asking someone else for information. It’s always better to go straight to the source to receive the best information.

However, I just love how Jesus disregarded Nicodemus’ compliment but went straight to the heart of the matter. Wasting no time He said, “Except a man be born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (John 3:5) The matter at hand was not the miracles Jesus had previously performed. It was Nicodemus’ salvation. Jesus didn’t need his compliments, but he needed Jesus.

Although Nicodemus had a great position in the community and was well versed in the law, there was emptiness in his heart that only Jesus could fill. After that divine encounter, Nicodemus’ life would never be the same. His eyes were opened; his heart changed. He was given a new beginning.

We don’t always know what we need at a given time, but I’m so glad that Jesus does. He looks beyond all of the unnecessary chatter and gets to the heart of the matter, which is the matter of the heart. What are your heart’s desires, my sisters and brothers? Are you searching or longing for something only God can give? If you are, do as Nicodemus did. Go straight to the source, Jesus Christ, and you, too, will be given a new beginning.

Wishing you God’s best in the year to come.

Happy New Year!

Elder Shirley Freeman
Daughters of Zion Women’s Ministries