MIDWEEK MEDITATION

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “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.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

John 3:1-3

It wasn't enough. 
 
Jesus wasn't calling Nicodemus to make minor improvements to his life. He wasn't asking the Pharisee and influential leader to "do better." The hard truth of the matter was that all his achievements, status, wealth, morality, and religious upbringing were not enough to earn his way into God’s kingdom. Jesus’ response to Nicodemus was simple and surprising: “You must be born again.”
 
There is no resumé long enough to impress God. No matter how good we may be, we are all imperfect people standing before a perfect and holy God. What Nicodemus had to face is what we all must face. God isn't asking for gradual improvement, for us to be better people, or to make slight adjustments to our lives. He is saying that a radical rebirth is required to enter into His kingdom. 
 
How do we do that? By putting our faith and trust in the One who stood before Nicodemus that night. Jesus, who is God, was sent into this world to show others the grace of God. Jesus would soon be lifted up on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, so that those who believe in His name will join Him in eternal life. 

Who are you believing in today?
 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 

God, I am trusting in the work of Jesus on my behalf for eternal life. Do for me what I cannot do for myself: Bring a radical change to my heart and give me grace to live for You today.