Listen

"Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

John 3:11–15

Think

Struggling with questions can be important in helping to strengthen and define faith. Yet when I’m resistant or reluctant, or simply do not see clearly, I sometimes ask questions to help avoid the real issue that is facing me. When I’m confused, it is easy to fall back and take things literally. It’s easy to get stuck, kind of like Nicodemus; he seems to want an answer from Jesus that can be wrapped up in a few words or actions. The known and the unknown things of life call me to look beyond my surroundings and myself.

The world of the Spirit is beyond my (and Nicodemus’) comprehension. It challenges me. It encourages me to question, to seek, to learn more. It challenged Nicodemus, too. Jesus turned the world upside down; he is asking us to look toward heaven instead of having our heads stuck in worldly thoughts.

Knowing and believing can walk side-by-side if I have faith. How can you imagine heavenly things?

Sharon Ely Pearson

Pray

Lord, as I journey toward Jerusalem with you, help me to stay with you through the challenges that lie ahead. Keep me looking heavenward instead of focusing on the little pebbles along the path. Open up my imagination. Amen.

Go

God's light is powerful, revealing
The way to new life,
A new birth by the power of the Spirit.

Walk into your day, then, with new questions
Received with infinite love,
Leading towards a life of righteousness.

God's steadfast care will provide.