John 3:1-13.
EARTHLY THINGS OR HEAVENLY THINGS. He came at night looking for answers – though he was used to giving them. He spent his life looking for a kingdom – one that was restored. He thought it would be like any other – one that ruled a nation of earth. He was limited to earthly things – earth-bound in thought and belief.
He wanted the kingdom on earth – but ruled by God and his own people. He hoped it would unite the scattered nation – they were dispersed for years. He wanted a restored Israel to be the leading nation – even though they were subjected. He had knowledge of God’s Word and plans – but that is not salvation.
Earthly things have only an earthly reason – “Up with man” and a nod to God. Even religion as taught by a leader – can leave a nation blind and lost. Apart from the new birth and God’s salvation – questioning darkness still remains. Looking for answers to divine truth – never comes only through earthly things.
The kingdom will come, and is already here – it has begun in the hearts of many. New birth is needed to be in this kingdom – the Spirit of God puts people in it. Repentance and rebirth go hand in hand – there really can’t be one without the other. Every person in the kingdom of God – has one thing in common: God is their Father.
Heavenly things are understood by faith – born of the Spirit and incorruptible Word. Everyone in the kingdom of God – has personally entered it by faith in the Lord. Though knowledge is not salvation – it does help give understanding, The Spirit of God reveals Christ – the scriptures give a basis for our faith.
Anyone who is in the kingdom of God has experienced the new birth. Nicodemus, like everyone, had to look above the things of earth. The regeneration of new life is not limited to one nation – Those who understand heavenly things are willing to accept God’s salvation.
“O God, many times people have mistaken the words of the Lord Jesus Christ as only the words of a wise man. I am thankful that Nicodemus saw beyond the limits of his earthly thinking and was able to learn and experience the reality of the new birth. May many we come in contact with learn the same things as we seek to explain the way of Thy salvation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”