The Second Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 1
Read: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17
How many times have you heard, “There is more to life than what meets the eye.”?
Over time, I have interpreted this quote to mean simply, you must look beyond what we can see: especially, in situations of life; in relationships with family, as well as in experiences with co-workers, neighbors and the like. It is amazing what you learn when you look beyond what you see.
It was in 1983 that I became a reluctant mechanic. Having years of watching a “shade-tree” mechanic at home, I desired not to repeat experiences seen and those in which I participated. My wife’s father was a mechanic and we became well acquainted. I had purchased a vehicle with too many perks but not enough power. It was in the mountains of North Georgia that I learned, much too late, the limits of my vehicle. In essence, my father-in-law and I spent a great deal of time together – towing my car back and forth to the dealership. With an entrepreneurship mindset, we even developed a towing device especially for cars similar to what I drove. We shared so much time together, that I dove into the world of the auto mechanic. Yet, I believe it was in the sharing of “grease”, with him that my father-in-law appreciated more of my sharing together of faith with him. It was our journey of faith and trust. Likewise, Nicodemus reminds me of many on the Christian journey. We think highly enough to call Jesus our “teacher”. We are impressed with stories of miracles and healing that we go to church and try our best to do the right things. We desire a deeper relationship with the Lord, but haven’t truly experienced the life-giving power that Jesus invites us to experience.
We recognize we have too many priorities. We know God’s desire for us is to pause our self-imposed time limits, to stop the urge to do life by ourselves and to linger a little longer in God’s presence. But it seems we are in an unrelenting, unwavering, storm that won’t end. In the midst of our fast food, drive through, one-day Amazon delivery world, the mantra of relentless attack has crept into our conversations. It teaches us never to back down, that the fight is never over and the only answer to any question is to destroy, even if destruction of one means the destruction of many and the obliteration of sanity and hope.
In our scripture, John 3:1-17, we discover that Jesus does not judge or condemn Nicodemus for his lack of understanding but issues him an invitation of faith. Eugene Peterson’s interpretation of this passage in The Message says it this way:
“Jesus said, You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to – to God’s kingdom.”
Jesus invites Nicodemus to go “deeper” on this journey of faith. As we continue on our journey of Lent, we are asked to go deeper in our faith. Nicodemus desired proof of God’s presence before taking the next steps. However, the journey of faith is one of trust, not proof. To become the witnesses God needs us to be means we must make space for God to work – to be born from above and believe.
I submit to you that we must make space in our lives for God to work through us. We must “change from the inside out”.
An anonymous writer wrote,
“When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world;
As I grew older and wiser, I realized the world would not change.
And I decided to shorten my sights somewhat and change my country. But it too seemed immovable.
As I entered my twilight years, in one desperate attempt, I sought to change only my family, those closest to me, but alas they would have nothing of it.
And now here I lie on my death bed and realize (perhaps for the first time) that if only I’d change myself first, then by example I may have influenced my family and with their encouragement and support, I may have bettered my country, and who knows, I may have changed the world.”
Beloved, to look beyond what we can see demands we move from our comfort zone to a courage zone.
Now your “comfort zone” is risk free. It is safe and secure and does not require you to stretch.
But your “courage zone” requires risk. In your courage zone, you’re stretched to reach your full potential.
Nicodemus experienced a stretch of his faith and on this Lenten journey – so do we.
Prayer:
Generous God, thank you for opportunities to stretch and to grow. Give us your power, that we might go deeper for our own rebirth and your glory. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Bishop L. Jonathan Holston is resident bishop of the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama Conferences. Bishop Holston is married to the former Felecia Brown.
