Saturday, August 9, 2014

Something is Missing

When do you most feel like something is missing in your life? Maybe it is when you are lonely, lost, confused, in crisis, or during other times of trouble. It’s at times like these that we need God’s grace. The problem a lot of the time is we're not sure what questions we need to ask. What really is missing?
There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God made known through Jesus Christ.” – Pascal. Let’s look again at this encounter that Jesus had  with a man who knew something was missing in his life. Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.  He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.- John 3:1-5
Looking at Nicodemus, you would have noticed:
1.    He was Educated. (“Israel’s teacher”).
2.    He was Wealthy. (Gave 75 pounds of very expenses spices for Jesus’ burial)
3.    He Was Powerful. (On the Jewish Ruling Council).
4.    He was Religious. (A Pharisee)

Yet his heart was empty. Jesus pinpointed his greatest need—to be born again. Some that are reading this are educated, wealthy, powerful, and/or religious. In spite of having all of these "things' you know that something is missing in your life.
 When you are feeling this way do what Nicodemus did – go to Jesus! He alone can fill that void, and give you grace and joy even during times of trouble. Amen?