Thoughts From the Front Lines: From Death to Life
John 3: 2 tells of a very religious, respected, and inquisitive “dead man” named Nicodemas, who came to Jesus one night with lavish compliments, saying: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Have you ever considered the previous verses to this story in John 2: 23-25? ”Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”
Knowing the heart of Nicodemas was full of religious credentials, but not righteous credibility, Jesus overlooked his compliments and cut to the very heart of his death bed condition. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3) Later in John 7:50-51, Nicodemas defends Jesus at His trial and in John 19:39-42, states that Nicodemas brought 75 pounds of spices for Jesus' burial. It seems from his behavior that Nicodemas may have found faith in Christ. Many men; however, remain spiritually dead, never choosing the pathway of the Savior that crosses over from death into life.
Today, how many public schools, universities, hospitals, government programs, mental wards, justice systems or even some churches who teach, treat, support, encourage, sponsor, “dead people” day after day only to get the same results – still dead! As well meaning as these institutions are, DEAD MEANS DEAD – hopeless, worthless, and suitable for the grave only. Dead people eventually have only one destination – the grave, in spite of all the help from institutions around the world.
The verdict, heart, and soul of Christmas cuts to the very heart of our world - to pronounce “dead people” as dead to be resurrected to life. No wonder the “star breather” of heaven showed up that night with countless numbers of His welcoming committee (angels) to proclaim His verdict.
John 3: 19-21 further says: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”
The world has been so busy avoiding contacting God because their deeds are evil. But in His divine mercy, He brings those dead to places like the justice system where they finally recognize their dead condition. In the court halls, so many symptoms surface for those dead in sin. The harvest here for those dead in sin is truly overwhelming. Helpless people are waiting here to be resurrected to life again.
The court hall ministry is by far the most amazing place to reach out to people who recognize their lost condition. But there is a major shortage of volunteers there. If you have an hour or two during the week, it would a privilege to introduce to you this amazing ministry at Gwinnett Justice Building. It is just ordinary folks in need of prayer during a self imposed crisis beyond their ability to handle.
Looking at it from God’s perspective: Where would we be if Jesus was too busy in heaven to come to our level on earth when we were dead in sin, hopeless and worthless. I do not want to even go there. One visit with us could make all the difference in several folks' lives.
In Christ-
Chaplain David Burgher
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