Lent Day 14 - ACCEPTED

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It seems so easy for them. They just go up to Jesus. Why can’t I do that? I have so many questions. I tried, the other day. He’s in Jerusalem, and I tried, but what would my Pharisee colleagues think? They were livid when Jesus cleared everyone out of the temple. Between you and me, I wonder if he was right. I can’t go up to Jesus.

People had flocked to Jesus,1 seen the miracles and believed in him. Nicodemus saw the miracles, too, and had questions. Under cover of night, he went to Jesus. And Jesus accepted him. He discussed with Nicodemus in a way he hadn’t with the crowds.2 Because Nicodemus’ needs were different.

In John 7, Nicodemus’ colleagues are determined to condemn Jesus, and Nicodemus suggests giving Jesus a fair hearing. In John 19, Nicodemus, along with Joseph, buries Jesus. Not only that, he takes along enough myrrh and aloes as would have been used in a royal burial.

Nicodemus proclaims through his actions that Jesus is King. What do our actions proclaim about Jesus? Nicodemus’ public honouring of Jesus began with being accepted in private. It began with him daring to go to Jesus. It began with him plucking up his courage; risking rejection but meeting acceptance.
Sometimes we look at others. It seems so easy for them  – worshipping, serving, praising – and we feel like Nicodemus; wanting to join in but stuck. Come as you are. Accepted by Jesus. Live in that acceptance. And see where it takes you.

Let your light shine . . . Look with my eyes.

What do you see? Accepted.

Taken from You Say by Emily Owen

You Say contains 101 biblical devotions that explores our true identity as beloved children of God.

It is easy to look at ourselves and just see our failings and imperfections. Yet God looks at us and sees us differently. He sees us positively, as we really are - unconditionally loved and accepted by him.

In You Say, Emily Owen seamlessly weaves together reflections, prayers, personal stories and the encouraging 'voice' of God to help us move away from damaging negative images of ourselves and step into the freedom that understanding our God-given identity brings.

Through Emily's sensitive devotions, God's words speak healing and affirmation to our souls as we are encouraged to see ourselves through God's eyes.

Prayer

Father God, thank you that you accept me as I am. I don’t need to be like anyone else. Help me to live accepted, and help my life to bring glory to you. Amen.