A Soccerdad’s Love

Tuesday, January 29, 2007 : Jesus Sheds Light on the Comments of Nicodemus: One Condition

Max Lucado’s book, 3:16 . . The Numbers of Hope, puts the popular verse, John 3:16, into proper focus. The verse of course arises out of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus has just indicated why he risked his personal reputation and status by coming to Christ at nite. He had just verbally expressed a position that was out of sync with that of his fellow Pharisees. Simply put, he had acknowledged that Jesus was a “teacher from God” and that God was “with him” (Jesus) (John 3:2).

It is not clear whether Nicodemus sought a similar affirmation from Jesus, … or sought to establish himself as different from his fellow Pharisees and wanted Jesus to know that he recognized and respected Jesus as a man of God.

Jesus does articulate what was required to see the kingdom of God. I like the phrase used by Billy Graham in the title of one of his books, “Peace with God”. The Response of Jesus was to clearly and simply communicate what was required to be at peace at God, “Unless one is born again, one cannot see the kingdom of God”. (John 3:3) There are conditions and requirements before one can be at peace with God.

The articulation of the condition to be at peace with God is an issue we all must address. Each person present must have also wondered what was required to be at peace of God.

Certainly, Nicodemus, as a public teacher of spiritual matters, had developed ideas on what was required to be at peace with God. Jesus does not mention that there are many possible ways or many vehicles for one to achieve peace with God and see the kingdom of heaven. He also does not mention any particular effort or code of conduct… good or bad each man must pursue. Instead, he mentions the spiritual act of “being born again.”

One can ponder long and hard on the words of Christ. This is the context of the Great Conversation where Jesus says the words of John 3:16, ” “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Monday, January 28, 2007

I had a very nice time this weekend with Joel. He and I went to a movie together on Saturday nite. . . and then had breakfast together Sunday morning. I regret with all of my heart that we are not living together. I miss being in the same room or house with him and Felicia, and just the comfort one’s presence can bring.

I hope we can live together in an apartment or home for his senior year of h.s. I am thankful that we have the opportunity to ride together to school each morning so we have some time to enjoy each other’s company. Listening to the Steve Harvey morning show together has become a special joy and treat.

Joel and I have talked about going to church together on Sunday mornings. The dad of one of his teammates named Jarrod Bookins is pastor of a church in the area. It would be very nice to attend church together for spiritual input a few times a month.

Joel has matured so much as a young man.. and some because of circumstances. I feel badly that he and mom are living with the Martins.. and that within a short span we no longer live under the same roof and both Jonah and Josh are away at college. I hope that he and the boys realize how much I deeply love each of them and want the best for them.

My hope is that Joel can go to a good school. Going to college is the best opportunity for the boys to have a new life and be free the issues we have faced.

Thursday, January 24, 2007

The words that Nicodemus initially shared that nite were rather striking. In a moment that was filled with obvious tension and interest, Niocodemus shares comments that tell every person present that his view of Christ was quite different than those held by his fellow Pharisees, the group that would one day recommend and support the crucifixion of Christ.

Nicodemus makes two initial comments, captured by scripture, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do the signs that you do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2 KJV)

Under the circumstances, the comments of Nicodemus were very profound. He openly put aside the sentiments of his fellow Pharisees. He also openly expressed his heart’s belief that “God was with this man called Jesus”. It is clear that this public figure and ruler of the Pharisees was embracing the concept of a living God, and that this God was working thru this man called Christ.

Nicodemus acknowledged that no one could do the signs that Jesus was doing unless God was with him. Nicodemus clearly wanted to know more, and understand more, about the spiritual dimension of Christ. My hope is that the boys.. Jonah, Josh & Joel… will have similar heart-to-heart conversations with God, and with those people they meet whose lives reflect a genuine commitment to Christ.

This initial sentence from Nicodemus set the tone of the meeting that nite. Every person present now knew that Nicodemus was not there on behalf of his fellow Pharisees to make threats, challenge Jesus or anything along those lines. Nicodemus was there for his own spiritual needs. As a leader in those times, of a group not popular with Christ, Nicodemus was humbly acknowledging that the current sentiment of the day that the Pharisees and religious leaders alone had a special relationship with God simply was not true.

The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus had begun. It would end with a comment from Christ that would mmarize how a man finds God. “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
Dad

p.s. p.s. As a reminder, remember to spend 30 min a day at one of the sites in the Marketing Pond reading emails, ads or websites. You will eventually generate $40 or $50 a month in extra spending money. It is a great way to make money online. As you share this with a friend here and a friend there, you will one day have ten (10) or fifteen (15) folks who also like the idea of earning free money as they learn about ways of earning $ online. Hits4Pay is one of the best ‘GPT’ sites in getting started.

Wednesday, January 23, 2007

I have immensely enjoyed driving Joel to school each morning. We have both come to enjoy “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” with comedian Steve Harvey… and particularly the ‘Strawberry Letter’ where folks write in about the personal relationships and both Steve and Shirley Stawberry, a co-anchor, reply to the letter. Shirley’s response is intended to be sound advice from the heart. Steve’s advice is both from the heart with an incredible comedic slant that brings joy to the heart.

That show also features the best R & B music which, as Steve often shares, are love stories with words pregnant with meaning. It has brought back so many old memories. I also find myself identifying and relating to the words shared by the artist as he (or she) pours out her heart in song. I love the “Freedom Friday” show where on Fridays Steven’s nephew, Nephew Tommy, and Shirley, try to outdo each other with memorable love songs from the past.

This morning, I had planned to skip my traditional quiet time but as the morning progressed, I realized that I missed that time of reflection. My quiet time before the Lord provides food for my heart and soul perhaps more than I realize.

One reason that I had considered skipping my quiet time is that I want to address other events of my life and the world around me. In one respect, I want to do this through a separate blog as a vehicle to earn $ from writing and blogging. From this standpoint, I wonder if I should just have a separate blog that can be ‘monetized’. From a different standpoint, I think to myself that regardless of whether I monetize the blog, the overall purpose is to provide a spiritual outlet for myself and for the boys, and Jonah, Josh and Joel to have a permanent record to read about dad and the things that he thought about and were meaningful to him.

Time and awkwardness make it difficult to talk about some issues. Sometimes, a letter or blog can do that for someone. Well, most of all, I hope the boys and Felicia realize how much I deeply love them. I wish I could have been a better dad, and provide them more financially. Yet, I accept the ups and downs that life brings.

One of my hopes for 2008 is to set aside ten (10%) of my earnings on a regular basis for spiritual or charitable purposes. I have started sending my tithe to a Paypal account called “TheStewartTithe@gmail.com. The heading on each message is the same, “A Tithe of Thanks”.

I am so thankful that directly, or through the caring hearts of others, God has met our basic needs. I once recall Max Lucado sharing in his book, 3:16 . . . The Numbers of Hope that we often overlook the manna from heaven where God provides for our basic needs in a manner just as real and just as concrete as when He provided manna for the children of Israel. Yes, there is much in life to be thankful for; I will be forever thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be a dad and the wonderful times I have shared with the boys.

Dad

p.s. As a reminder, remember to spend 30 min a day at one of the sites in the Marketing Pond reading emails, ads or webistes. You will eventually generate $40 or $50 a month in extra spending money.

As you share this with a friend here and a friend there, you will one day have ten (10) or fifteen (15) folks who also like the idea of earning free money as they learn about ways of earning $ online. When that happens, you will find yourself earning a few hundred a month, and you will begin to realize you have a small business started.

These ‘get paid to’ (GPT) sites share the advertising revenue they receive from companies which want to exposes their business to potential customers like you and me. You really do get get paid just to read and review ads and websites.

The GPT sites get paid by these companies simply for making you aware of their opportunity, regardless of whether you join. The advertising company also wins because a customer like you may decide he is interested in using the company’s services. The first site we will work together is called Hits4Pay which deposits $10 into our Paypal account just for getting started.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

This morning was a time to think about the first words shared between Nicodemus and Jesus. The first words of any conversation are important.. the tone, inflection of the voice and body language are all communicators. Lucado’s book, 3:16. . . The Numbers of Hope, causes one to think about this.

We also have the advantage of history. We understand that the religious group in which Nicodemus was a leader was called the Pharisees. The Pharisees would later play a pivotal role in Jesus being crucified.
The Pharisees took issue with several things Jesus said and did. Jesus referred to himself as the son of God. The Pharisees took issue b/c of the implied statement that Jesus is God. Jesus said ‘if you have seen me you have seen the Father’. The Pharisees took issue. Jesus told individuals that their sins were forgiven. The Pharisees believed (rightly so) that only God could forgive sins. Jesus healed on the Sabbath.. Another issue.

So, you can see that the initial words from a respected ruler of the Pharisees would carry great meaning to everyone in the house that nite. The initial words of Nicodemus reflected his own personal conviction from taking a good hard look at the life of Christ and how the lives of those who were following the teachings of Christ had changed.

In fact, the words of Nicodemus reflect a great conviction… that was different from the general sentiments of the Pharisees. Nicodemus says quite simply and humbly, “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).

Every word shared by Nicodemus reflects his own great convictions and great respect for this man called Jesus . . and represent a great departure from the general beliefs of his fellow Pharisees. Nicodemus, begins with calling Jesus, Rabbi. . . a term used with to describe men whose role is to teach us about God, God’s ways and God’s expectations. Not a single challenge with Christ referring to himself as the Son of God, or telling folks their sins were forgiven, or healing on the Sabbath.

That one word, Rabbi, communicated ‘great respect’ for Jesus. It came from a man who was trained in the scriptures and deeply respected as a public figure. This was Nicodemus’ way of humbling himself before Jesus.. and it was immediately recognized by everyone present. The custom was to look to a man like Nicodemus for direction and guidance.
In the circles in which Nicodemus traveled, Nicodemus was the Rabbi. Instead, Nicodemus, with one word, communicated that he respected who Jesus was and that the spiritual values Jesus possessed and taught were making a difference in the lives of men.

My hope for you guys.. Jonah, Josh & Joel,… is that you will have a similar respect for Jesus. My hope is that you will be men of great conviction and that like Nicodemus will have the courage to weigh spiritual issues on your own, regardless of what those around you say and do. Nicodemus, was quite right.. Jesus in the great Rabbi, who teaches us about who God is, about God’s ways and how we can have a relationship with God.

Hopefully, you will reflect in the years to come that the verse so often mentioned, John 3:16, was mentioned in the context of a conversation between a respected religious leader named Nicodemus who sought out Jesus for a private conversation about spiritual matters. I hope you go directly to Jesus the way Nicodemus did to get a first hand grasp and your own great convictions. Nicodemus correctly referred to Jesus as Rabbi, one who teaches us about who God is, about God’s ways and how we can have a relationship with God.

The Great Conversation begins with a Great Conviction… Rabbi . . . and eventually ends with the verse that is recognized as one of the most significant expressions of the Christian faith, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Dad

Friday, January 18, 2008 - “The Great Conversation… Great Men Have Great Qualities”

Friday, January 18, 2008 - “The Great Conversation… Great Men Have Great Qualities”

During my quiet time this morning, I thought more about the public figure and respected leader (Nicodemus) visiting Jesus at the home where Jesus was staying.

There must have been tension in the air when Nicodemus entered the home. Those present realized that a leader from the religious establishment had paid a highly unusual visit. By this time, Jesus had already referred to the religious establishment as hypocrites. Jesus had thrown a temper fit when he saw individuals selling goods for exorbitant prices in the synagogue.. the church of the day. It could not have sat well with the establishment when Jesus kicked those folks out of the temple.

Max Lucado, in his book, 3:16 . . . Words of Hope, was correct in describing the atmosphere in the home, “The noisy room silences as he [Nicodemus] enters.” (p.4) Those present also recognized that the visit from this respected, public figure of the religious establishment was out of the norm and unique. There was understandable tension. Each man in the room must have wondered silently if the tension that existed between Christ and the religious establishment was about to intensify.

There also may have been inner thoughts about what Nicodemus would say. Even thought Jesus had referred to the religious establishment as hypocrites, Nicodemus was considered a man of character whose life mirrored his words. It was a meeting of two (2) men of character who each had followers. One was a public figure who broke tradition by paying a visit to a man who had been highly critical of the establishment he represents.

There are sincere men and men of character and integrity in virtually every field of life. Nicodemus exhibited great character in this visit to talk to Jesus. His fellow leaders would have disapproved. Certainly, Nicodemus could have sent a message for Jesus to meet him somewhere in private. Clearly, Nicodemus knew that each word he shared, and each word shared by Jesus would be heard by those present and shared in private circles.

Indeed, one would think that Nicodemus asked a trusted friend to find out where Jesus was spending the nite so he could visit Jesus. Those who were confidants of Nicodemus must have also wondered why Nicodemus was paying this visit to a man who had had been critical of the religious establishment.

Yet, it must have been silently believed by the confidants of Nicodemus and the followers of Christ that two (2) men of great character, both leaders in religious communities in tension with the other, were about to dialogue face to face… and one man (Nicodemus) risked damage to his career and reputation, and certainly would be the subject of many questions and scrutiny, by initiating this private meeting.

This is the setting for the verse (John 3:16) that is often quoted in whole or in part. Today, that verse is often used in public or private preaching about becoming a Christian. While the verse certainly speaks to that subject, the context of the verse is a meeting in private, at nite, between two (2) individuals of great character who represented communities at odds with each other.

At this point, the words of John 3:16 had not been spoken and no one knew what would be shared between Nicodemus and Jesus. This is the setting behind the verse, John 3:16, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.”

My hope is that you guys.. Jonah, Josh & Joel, will seek out and spend time with great men whose lives are led, despite imperfection, in an attempt, to mirror their convictions.

Dad

Thursday, January 17, 2008

This morning was a time to reflect on what drove or caused a deeply respected religious leader like Nicodemus to visit Jesus at night.. .and what he wanted to discuss with Christ that nite. There are probably many reasons that drove Nicodemus.

Yet, the thought that stays on my mind the most is that Nicodemus, as a dedicated religious leader, saw that not only were there large crowds following Christ but could see that the lives of the people following Christ showed changes in values, lifestyles and priorities. These life changes must have been so dramatic that several thoughts may have been triggered with Nicodemus that compelled the decision to visit Christ.

One thought may have been to know more about what Christ was teaching that was having such an impact. A separate thought may have been to know more about Christ himself as a man. An additional thought is that Nicodemus saw changes in the personal devotion and commitment of many and wanted to have a deeper commitment to God in his own life.
So, it must have been a shock to many at the house that nite when they discovered that the man who knocked on the door was one of the successful, respected religious leaders of the day who often taught others himself in the church and synagogue. Those present must have also wondered why a man of Nicodemus’ stature would risk damage to his career by a secret visit at nite and what drove Nicodemus to be there.

Of course, at this stage, the words of John 3:16 had not been spoken, and no one knew how the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus would turn out. This conversation between an established, religious leader and a non-leader who was changing the lives of people around him is the subject of Max Lucado’s book, 3:16…Words of Hope. The book itself is a reflection on John 3:16, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.”

My hope is that as you guys complete college and begin your careers, you will continue to explore spiritual values, and like Nicodemus, find a way to have a heart to heart talk with God about issues that mean the most to you.