Courage Leads to Transformation: Moving Mediation
"Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again,” John 3:3 (NIV)
-
Transformation is about change, and change is about freedom.
-
Nicodemus is an example of a man who experienced a long, slow conversion of the soul. He longed to know and be known by God. Nicodemus had a spiritual hunger.
-
Have you ever pursued God with “everything you’ve got”, only to find that He was pursuing you all along?
Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit you are welcome here. Lord help us acknowledge we are surrounded by your love and guidance. May we use every breath we take as an opportunity to draw closer to you and release all that does not transform us into your image. May we live to glorify our Father in heaven in every movement, act of worship, and breath. In your precious name I pray, Amen.
Breath Prayer: INHALE: Courage / Faith
EXHALE: Fear / Doubt
-
The living God is in the transformation, change, and freedom business. But no two journeys to Christ are the same.
-
The living Son of God sat with a Pharisee named Nicodemus in the cover of darkness to share a philosophical discussion on the nature of miracles, the unseen Kingdom, rebirth, and the mystery of the Spirit.
-
To learn from the slower transformation journey of Nicodemus, an inquisitive Pharisee, moving from where he was to where God wanted him, let’s read more of the story of his encounter with Christ…
“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 are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him. Jesus answered him, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:1-8 (ESV)
-
This man has spent his life studying the scriptures and climbing the ranks of the spiritual hierarchy. And yet he finds himself wanting what Jesus had – spiritual insight of the Word that far exceeded his own as well as being a miracle worker.
-
He courageously stepped into that meeting with Jesus, knowing that maintaining the religious traditions may not be as important as fostering a personal relationship with Christ.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
-
For Jesus, transformation is a freedom process that begins in the heart. Nicodemus had wisdom and a softened heart. He was willing to risk his vocation and provision to take this meeting with Jesus.
-
Transformation is a process by which the mind is literally changed as the Spirit of Jesus works within us.
-
Although Nicodemus was unable to bring himself to leave his station to follow Jesus, he did become His advocate – siding with Jesus stating he needed a trail, as well as helping prepare His body for burial.
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (ESV)
-
Transformation takes courage. The stories in the Bible show that transformation can be an incredibly slow process that unfolds over a lifetime, or in an instant. If we practice obeying Jesus’ commands and responding to His love like Nicodemus did, we can trust we are being changed into Jesus’ likeness.
-
Have you ever pursued God with “everything you’ve got”, only to find that He was pursuing you all along? Where can you have courage to step out boldly and begin to experience transformation?
0 comments