Crossroads Church

SOAP = Scripture Observation Application Prayer

James Brown

S: John 3.1-2 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you."

O: I think that faith is a process. A lot of people I talk to are waiting for that magical moment when it all makes sense. Until that moment, they suspend their engagement with God, the Bible, Jesus, and the Church.

Why?

I think part of it has to do with the fact that they don't want to get it wrong. There really isn't a more important subject on the planet. Literally, heaven and hell hang in the balance of getting this right.

I think another part people struggle with is what it will mean for their lives if it is all actually right and real.

That is what Nicodemus was dealing with. He was a Pharisee (top-level religious leader in Jesus' day). Even though he recognized that Jesus was somehow supernaturally connected with God, he also recognized the implications as to what that might mean for him...his life...his identity...his job.

That is why he came to meet Jesus at night. He needed to ask questions. He needed to know some things. He needed to push through a few issues without the pressure of having to "Buy Now!" And what's amazing to me is that Jesus was OK with that. There was no pressure in Jesus' sales pitch. He allowed Nick to show up at Night with his laundry list of questions and concerns.

A: What are MY most recent questions about faith?

This story of Nicodemus has demonstrated to me that I am not as vigorous in my pursuit of the deeper things as I once was. I need to start reading things...and talking to people...and asking questions that challenge my faith.

Why?

Because Jesus isn't afraid of the process. He is not shaken by the "Nick at Nights" who realize the ramifications of encountering the truth.

P: Jesus, thank you for your openness to challenge, questions, and concerns. Give me the courage to take you up on your offer. Amen.

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