Water and Spirit (John 3:1-21)
Christ Instructing Nicodemus Crijn Hendricksz, 1604 I came to you in the shadows of night. I wore the darkness like a cloak, shielding and protecting me, from those with whom I associate. You speak to my heart and I am drawn to your voice. But there are those on the council who wish you did not speak with authority. You are not of the Sanhedrin, nor are you a scribe. But your words, with deeper roots than the prophets, are from God. Not from man. And that frightens the core of my being. You tell me that if I am born again, I will envision the kingdom of God. You explain that I must be birthed of water and spirit. I am deeply troubled by your words and the timing of your presence. Few of the wise will listen to you. They will wish to keep you silent When your voice is what we most need to hear. I leave you, wondering where I will stand, when next I hear your voice speak as the Son of God, having come to us...