Note: Nicodemus symbolizes the person who has access to the Kingdom (God ordained Ministry) but refuses to leave their old situation (Dead Church) for reasons unknown.
John 3:1-19 are some one of the most powerful versus of scripture in the entire Word of God and the World itself (John 3:16). It was the climax of an appeal to Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee (Note: A Pharisee in our contemporary time is a person who went to church or does church like/religious things but is not saved.) This is the same man who came to Jesus under the cover of “darkness” when asking the question what must I do to be saved? His question is simple but the motivation behind it was a conflict of interests between what he was accustomed to and what his heart was compelling him to do…he saw the signs, miracles and wonders of Jesus. he heard the mute speak, saw those that were paralyzed walk and was told that demons were subject to this man Jesus. Throughout the 19 versus of teaching and preaching to Nicodemus that Jesus shared one would think that Nicodemus would leap at the opportunity to become free from the religious system he was a part of. He was torn in between two “Churches” the one that he was used to and the one who could transform him. One pointed to religion, control and empty ritual while the other pointed to the relational power in Christ through His Death, Burial and Resurrection. One setting was familiar…everyone knew his name, he was next in line to teach in the synagogue, he had a title given to him by Caiaphas the leader of the Sanhedrin, he was able to sit up front on the pews to show his circle of influence…yet he had this distant relationship with the embodiment of truth, the God-Man himself, Jesus.
The Heart of the Matter
Nicodemus was under the cover of “Darkness” but he wanted to be in the presence of “Light”…He was a part of a dying ministry but he was too scared to embrace the living one…he protested the treatment and plotting of the Murder of Jesus and was at the preparation for the burial of Jesus Body. Nevertheless not one scripture points to him becoming saved or leaving the Sanhedrin (which represent a Dead, Dry and Demonic Church) So despite the empty rituals, despite the hypocritical leadership behavior, despite the fake holiness, despite the plotting, rumors, division or key defectors (Saul of Tarsus) all of which were signs that they were not in a good place…but never moved. So this is an appeal to those who have popped their head in at our church or make cameo appearances at our events, watch our social media feeds, play our videos, or read our blogs…not to join in but to enjoy a piece of where they “NEED” to be while holding on to where “WANT” to be even if your dyding spiritually there. You know who you are…and if you don’t know, its everyone who God touched as you passed though our doors and those who we labored and served with “prior” to the launch of this ministry in 2010. They would come but are afraid of what others think of them if they were to reconnect. You heard the same appeal in the spirit that Nicodemus heard when Jesus shared the Gospel…but unlike him my prayer is that you step out and apply what you have heard…move into the promise, a place has been prepared for you. Not as competition or confusion but as a safety net for your soul.
~ Pastor Andre Martin
#selah #placeofrefuge #stepoutordiewhereyouare #youcantcopywhatGodhasanointed #birthpainsoffreedom #itwontgetbetteruntilyouhookup #thedoorisnotclosedyet #hammertime #callingyouforward
