As the displeasure of most of his peers towards Jesus grows, the possibility exist in his mind that Jesus might actually be from God. Maybe He was sent and empowered by God. To heal. To teach. To inspire. Maybe more? The cover of darkness provides the opportunity for the Pharisee to meet the Carpenter. Before the Pharisee's question is even asked, the Carpenter's answer is given.You must be born again.How so?!? This defies all I know of nature. It is absurd.Meaningless are your religious achievements and acknowledgements. You must be born again.Impossible!Nothing is impossible with God. You must be born again. Flesh begets flesh. Spirit begets spirit. As the wind, the Spirit is. Mysterious. Unpredictable. Uncontrollable. Powerful. Though the Spirit Himself is unseen, the mark of the Spirit is obvious. By the Spirit, you must be born again.Israel's teacher is mystified. For Now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Poisonous snakes had infested the camp of God's people. The ingratitude they felt towards their God was replaced by fear and anxiety. Healing from the poison could be found only by looking in faith to the bronze serpent lifted high.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Poisonous snakes had infested the camp of God's people. The ingratitude they felt towards their God was replaced by fear and anxiety. Healing from the poison could be found only by looking in faith to the bronze serpent lifted high.
This story was well known by even Israel's children. Surely, it was known by Israel's teacher. But the twist on the story now leaves him with more questions than the night began with.
The Son of Man would be lifted up?
Those who believe in Him will be saved?
What does all this mean? Are the others right?
Should I have even had this meeting?
There just seems to be something so different Him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For God
All-powerful. All-knowing. Self-sufficient. Unchanging. Uncreated but the Creator of everything.
So Loved
Cared for. Laid His affection upon.
The World
All humanity. The strong. The weak. The rich. The poor. Every race. Every people. From every continent. Speaking every language. The unborn. The old. The healthy. The lame. Those we call innocent. Those we call guilty. Those we honor as important. Those we treat as worthless. Sinners - there is no other type.
That He Gave
Sacrificed. Offered. Sent.
His Only Begotten Son
Perfect. Unique. The Only One of the Father's Nature. The exact representation of His image. The radiance of His glory.
That Whosoever
An Open invitation. To me. To you.
Believes.
Trusts. Embraces. Depends upon. Receives.
Should Not Perish.
Face Death. Encounter Judgement. Enter Hell.
But Have Eternal Life.
Everlasting Peace. Unspeakable Joy. Unending Adventures. With Him. With others. Forever.
The Son of Man would be lifted up?
Those who believe in Him will be saved?
What does all this mean? Are the others right?
Should I have even had this meeting?
There just seems to be something so different Him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For God
All-powerful. All-knowing. Self-sufficient. Unchanging. Uncreated but the Creator of everything.
So Loved
Cared for. Laid His affection upon.
The World
All humanity. The strong. The weak. The rich. The poor. Every race. Every people. From every continent. Speaking every language. The unborn. The old. The healthy. The lame. Those we call innocent. Those we call guilty. Those we honor as important. Those we treat as worthless. Sinners - there is no other type.
That He Gave
Sacrificed. Offered. Sent.
His Only Begotten Son
Perfect. Unique. The Only One of the Father's Nature. The exact representation of His image. The radiance of His glory.
That Whosoever
An Open invitation. To me. To you.
Believes.
Trusts. Embraces. Depends upon. Receives.
Should Not Perish.
Face Death. Encounter Judgement. Enter Hell.
But Have Eternal Life.
Everlasting Peace. Unspeakable Joy. Unending Adventures. With Him. With others. Forever.
