Facing Judgement

Written By Betty Predmore

John 3:1-21 (May 3)

Today we meet Nicodemus. "Nick" is considered a wise Jewish religious leader and a Pharisee. (Basically, he should be pretty smart.)

When given the opportunity to speak to Jesus, Nick had something to say. (I'm pretty sure we will all have something to say when we meet Jesus...after we get accustomed to the awe of being in his presence.)

When Jesus starts explaining to Nick that he can only get to Heaven by being born again, poor Nick is bewildered! How on earth is that supposed to happen? That, of course, seemed physically impossible to this wise old guy who had been around a while and seen a lot of things happen. But he's never seen THAT happen!

So, Jesus (I can almost see him shaking his head in puzzlement) goes on to explain the process of being born again in the spirit. (I bet ole Nick was staring at him with his mouth hanging open upon this new information.)

Nick is just so confused! Have you ever been confused when someone is trying to explain something to you? ( For me, I get that "Nicodemus" look on my face when anyone starts trying to explain trigonometry or physics to me. WHEW!)

And Jesus may have had a slightly baffled look as well, considering he thought Nick, being a respected Jewish teacher, would understand these things.

I can imagine how frustrating it must have been for Jesus, when these "wise" people didn't understand all he was trying to tell them.

How could mankind possibly grasp the fact that God loved them SO MUCH he sent Jesus down to take in an earthly body and be crucified for the sins of each and every one of us? (Even now, in my own wisdom, I am somewhat amazed by this.)

Then Jesus talks to Nick about judgement. So now Nick has to wrap his brain around the fact that if he BELIEVES in Him, he can bypass judgement. But if he chooses not to believe, he has already been judged.

I can see poor Nick...his mind swirling with T.M.I., finally coming to understand that in order to get to Heaven, he has to believe in God, be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and live a right life, avoiding the darkness of evil, while being a light to the world.

Wow! That's a pretty tall order (bigger than IHOP's tallest stack)! But the end result of that is such a more pleasant outcome than the judgement that comes from unbelief.

How about us? Are there days when walking in the Spirit seems like a tall order? Days when the darkness can be tempting?

Are the days when you're "light" seems to be out of batteries and you can't even find the path in front of you?

Fear not, my friends! Jesus walks through our shadows with us. He brings us to the light time and time again. He is there to move us towards our heavenly home, where we will be surrounded with those who were once bewildered, but now see the blessing of believing. Because believing is a whole lot better than the judgement that comes when we don't.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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Long Haulers
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Their Own Eyes