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John 3:1-2 – Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." (NIV)
The older I get, the more that I want to learn about Jesus and read about God. As a pastor for almost forty years, I thought that I knew a lot, but now, I realize that there's infinitely more to learn about Christ and more to experience about God than I could ever dream or imagine. This doesn't daunt me or make me feel foolish; instead, God intrigues me and Christ excites more than I could ever have believed. Being old is a beautiful time to reflect on the gospels, as well as to share them, which is what motivated two other old men: the apostle John and Nicodemus.
When John was an old man, he could look back on his decades as a disciple of Christ and remember some of the encounters that Jesus had with other people. Christ's personal touch was important to John. Many of the folks who had first-hand experiences with the Lord were passing on to the next world, and he knew that he would also soon be joining them, so he wanted the new generations of Christians to experience what Jesus was like by recording several individual conversations that Christ had with exceptional people.
In the gospel story from John 3:1-17, a rabbi called Nicodemus came to ask Jesus some important questions. He arrived at night, perhaps tired after a long day of working for God, or maybe secretly because of the other Pharisees' negative opinion of Jesus.
During the conversation, Jesus answers several questions lovingly and truthfully. There appears to be a lot of mutual respect taking place. Later on, Jesus may have told His disciples about the conversation, or Nicodemus may have told them after he became a follower of Jesus. Either way, John had a first-hand account of what was discussed, and he never forgot what he had been told. It was a life-changing moment for the old teacher; it was where his personal discipleship with Christ began. It is good that John recorded the conversation in his gospel, because John 3:16 is where many people's relationship with God has also begun.
Point to ponder: How much time do I set aside to ponder God and think about Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, there is so much about You that we have yet to experience, as well as so much that we can glean from the personal conversations that You had with people long ago. In the quietness of our nights, after our work is done, speak plainly and gently to our souls. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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Comforting words, John.
Thanks John, very good devotional. Blessings.
Thank you for that John. I needed to read that today.
Rocket fuel for the Soul, Bro!
Blessings.
Nice to see that you are still writing devotionals. I always appreciate your words. Thank you!
Good morning, John!
Thank you for your message today. It was greatly appreciated by me.
Thank you for sharing your heart this morning. Don’t ever stop writing the truth and passing it along. My favorite verse is “Let the Redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Psalm 107:2. Thank you for telling yours.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. To God be the glory! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever should believe in Him will have everlasting life with Him in Heaven. Thanks again for this timely reminder. Blessings.
Thank you, John, for your very encouraging words today. So true that no matter how old we get there is still much we can learn, especially about what Jesus can do and will do when we seek Him and follow His ways. Blessings as you continue to serve our loving Lord and prepare these special devotionals.
John, it is always good news when you write. It is encouraging that after 40 years as a Minister that there is still more to learn and experience about our Lord.
I have just been accepted as an Elder for now another congregation at the age of 80+. Age and experience is a good time to help reach out to expand the church of Christ.
Good morning John,
Thank you for this today. I am also thankful at this age I have personal experiences of Christ’s mercy and grace, scriptures that touched me at certain times of my life or a situation, and now older I find even more exciting things about Christ and the power of God.
God bless.
John,
As a long time reader of the Presbyterian Daily devotional, and a long time enjoyer of your devotionals, this one hit close to my heart. I am an older person, originally from Scotland, who has enjoyed reading every devotional you have written in the many years I have been following this morning wake-up call. Thank you for all the times you have helped me through difficult spells, and the times you have spoken to my heart.
Keep them coming, John, we truly enjoy your words of wisdom and guidance.
Good morning John,
It took me awhile to figure out your title. I needed a brain spurt to get it. Definitely I am grateful for all the stories in the Bible which help me to know and understand more. I would not have guessed someone was still learning more after being a pastor for almost 40 years. That did surprise me even though I know that there is lots to learn from the Bible and Bible study does help because sharing with others helps to share your questions and learn from others.
People sharing in Devotionals is another way to get different perspectives on which to ponder and understand more. Thanks for sharing about “three old men”. Blessings.
Shalom to you Reverend John.
Thank you for your Devotional this Tuesday. Your writings are always very spiritually inspiring, and cause me to do some spiritual introspection and “closet cleaning”, which I should do more often.
Presently, I am reading a book entitled “Don’t just stand there….. Pray Something!” by Ronald Dunn, (Produced and printed for ALPHA, by SCRIPTURE PRESS FOUNDATION (UK) LTD).
I have found it be the best book I have ever read on the subject of prayer, especially Intercessional Prayer. I will heartily recommend this book to anyone asking “Lord, please teach me to pray” which is how we received what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” .
(Ontario, Canada)
Hi. John,
I am just now reading this devotional. This morning I was the leader for our group study of Philippians. I said to the group (we are a small church and we KNOW each other), “You all know me, I am a Martha…”. And indeed I am much more into doing than taking time to reflect. AND, John, I am 86…think there is a chance for me?
Thanks, as always for your writing.
Just re-read this encouraging devotional. This eighty plus year old gal takes solace in fact that God has used old folk in the past. Blessings.