I wonder if I was alive at a moment in history if I would have been any different from the masses. If I lived in the South would I have stood up for human rights of all people regardless of color? Would I have been willing to die for my beliefs along with any of the martyrs in the dark ages? If I had heard about, seen, or even experienced the signs of Jesus first hand would I have done more than just give lip-service? In any age would I have held beliefs that showed themselves in action for those oppressed, exploited, or abused? Would my words connect with my hopes, dreams, and visions? In each case I would hope so but somehow I still wonder.
There is a Biblical passage that talks of a person recognized for wisdom, vision, and leadership. He had all the power, prestige, and status that anyone could desire. I can still remember the days when this was exactly what I wanted out of life. Each moment was an opportunity to move closer to my dream. Every relationship could be used, never exploited, just used to openly progress my ambitions. In this context would I have been any different from the character known as Nicodemus?
“There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, ‘Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it.’” (John 3.1, 2)
Here was one who had the evidence. He has witnessed first hand, knew the authenticity, and yet from the way the words are formed he is giving more lip service to what he has seen than heart acknowledgment.
When we see truth we can feel the power of its authenticity. You and I know when someone is honest, forthright, and open. When we respond with words are they more than just words? Today is a fresh opportunity to make our words reality.
