Night
Scripture Reading — John 3:1-21
A man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council . . . came to Jesus at night. . . .
When I worked in full-time youth ministry, I was available to students 24/7. I would play board games with them until very late at night, meet them for coffee any time of day or night, and get up early to have breakfast with them. I loved those times with students, but they were exhausting! I was younger then and maybe didn’t need as much sleep as I do now. Just thinking back to those days makes me feel like I need a nap!
How fortunate for us that Jesus doesn’t get exhausted! During his teaching ministry on earth, he needed sleep and times of refreshment away from people, but today, at the right hand of God, he is praying for us always. Even when he was living here, he didn’t tell Nicodemus not to bother him at night. Jesus was available to people who wanted to spend time with him.
The same is true today. When I wake up in the middle of the night worried about things at work, or my family, or whatever else is going on in my life, Jesus is there to listen to me. When our kids can’t sleep, we remind them to tell God what is bothering them.
Our faith can be formed at any time and in any circumstance. Faith formation doesn’t take time off at night or on the weekends. It happens all the time. And Jesus is waiting for us and listening to us all the time. Don’t be afraid to go to him at any time.
Lord, thank you for listening to us all the time. You answer us with gentleness and compassion and meet us exactly where we are. Amen.
About the author — Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is Director of Faith Formation at First Church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, emerging adult, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, disc golfing, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!