New Life In ChristSample

Day Three

A Restless Heart

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9; Ecclesiastes 1:14; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3

Each of us searches for what we believe will bring us happiness. We keep looking but never finding this elusive something that we perceive will give us fulfillment. We discover that every earthly thing is merely “a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

This futile pursuit for what is missing in life points to a most prominent man who lived two thousand years ago. At first glance, he was the least likely person who needed to be born again. This man was well-connected at the loftiest tier of the political structure and had risen to the top of the religious hierarchy of the day. He knew much about God. He had a head full of knowledge about Scripture and knew the Bible inside out. He was a spiritual leader, revered by all who knew him. His name was Nicodemus. 

Nicodemus had as many unanswered questions as anyone else—maybe even more. He had searched everywhere to find the answers. He looked to religion. He strived to live a righteous life. But he had not found anything that could satisfy his empty soul.

Where could Nicodemus turn to find the answers? He had heard about Jesus of Nazareth. He had heard about the miracles He performed. He knew about the enormous crowds that followed Him everywhere. Given these credentials, Nicodemus had to meet Jesus. 

But such an encounter would have to be a secret meeting. Nicodemus could not afford to be seen with Jesus. That would not look good for his sterling reputation. This backroom rendezvous would have to be under the cloak of night.

It never entered Nicodemus’s mind that he needed more than a new perspective on life. What Nicodemus needed was something entirely different. It would not come from this fallen world or from the realm of sterile religion. 

Nicodemus was soon to learn what he so desperately needed to experience. He was about to hear the only answer that would fulfill his restless heart. 

Are you exhausted from pursuing meaning in life? I would encourage you to look to the One who is the truth. Look to the only One who has the answers to what is missing in your life. That One is the Creator of life itself. I challenge you to hear what Jesus will say to Nicodemus, because it is exactly what He says to you. 

If you were Nicodemus coming to Jesus in secret, what would be your first question for Him?