Losers: Rulish Religious Leaders?
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.”
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
John 3:1-4 (NIV)*
So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:7 (NIV)
Nicodemus was a Jewish leader who was amazed by the Words of Jesus… because they didn’t fit what he’d been taught. Much to his credit, he sought Jesus out and eventually believed in Him.
But right now, millennia later…
I get frustrated with rulish pastors, who still can’t see the forest for the trees!
The “forest” is the Heart of Jesus Christ. It’s the cause of reconciliation. It’s reaching out to the lost and hopeless. It’s love and effective evangelism!
The “trees” are favorite verses and rules: their denominational focal points; their disdaining judgment of outsiders and all-too-visible pride and preening.
It’s tempting for me to be a judge, too! Don’t they see Jesus (their role Model) didn’t act that way…? It’s tempting for me to call them “LOSERS!” But if I do, I’m as wrong as they are! (Nicodemus and other leading Jews prove that Jesus can soften any heart.)
Even mine! And even rulish pastors!
SIDEBAR: To followers of short-sighted pastors who lay down rules that their Leader didn’t, who make a habit of condemnation… note in your heart of hearts: Jesus didn’t. The only people He DID condemn WERE NOT sinners, con men, or adulterers. Jesus condemned religious hypocrites.**
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
I’ve said and still see: God blessed you with UNUSUAL WISDOM! I’m confident you see through “rulishness” …as the un-Christlike harmful thing it is. Because we serve a God of salvation!
Your example of unusual love will lead all kinds of hearts to The Healer!
Losers: Rulish Religious Leaders? (Part 26)
* https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A1-21&version=NIV
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.