by Pastor Rich Carlson
 
As I started my journey through the story of Nicodemus in the third chapter of John, I struggled to find a new gem. It’s such a familiar story that I get trapped in what I’ve “always known” and have a hard time looking beyond. But I soon discovered that, if we are willing to learn, God does speak His to children.

Embedded in the story of Nicodemus is probably the most familiar text in the Bible. I know John 3:16 by heart and have known it since I was a child. But it was a long time before I realized the sheer beauty of the next verse. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,” Jesus reminded Nicodemus, “but to save the world through him” (verse 17).

Jesus is about saving, not condemning! So when we struggle with condemnation, it does not originate from God. When we condemn others, we’re not emulating God’s grace. When we condemn ourselves, we fail to see God’s unconditional acceptance. Such a simple principle within such a familiar story, and yet one we struggle to learn.

If it’s important to God, it will be clear in His Word. The story of Nicodemus is full of clarity and balance. It must be important, because it’s very clear—Jesus is about saving and setting us on the path to His eternal Sanctuary, where we can dwell in His presence forever.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.