Fourth Sunday in Lent: Gospel, John 3:14-21                         

John 3:14-21

Can we become so familiar with anything in our lives that it begins to melt into the wallpaper of our hearts? I think so. The title above points to that, for lack of a better word, familiar quip: “Familiarity Breeds Contempt.” That’s a bit harsh for what I want to write today, but it is good to keep watch.

Our gospel text this week brings us the well-known conversation between a seeking, yet somewhat cautious Nicodemus and the One whom he thinks may just be “the one.” The Bible makes clear that no one seeks God unaided. In other words, God initiates and leads the searching heart. And Nicodemus has found someone for whom he thinks the quest may just be warranted. But he comes to Jesus under darkness of night. It’s a great picture of the condition of our hearts when first we begin our search. The human heart untouched by grace is darker than the deepest night lacking stars or moon. But it is in the One being sought that Light is found.

There’s something here in this conversation for everyone. If you are seeking the Light sensing the darkness from which you come. Keep reading. “God so loved the world …” If you are one who has seen and experienced the Light, let Him again renew and refresh you. “God so loved the world …” And if by chance (there’s no such thing in pursuit of the Truth) you are one who believes there’s no such thing as Light, call out for it as you might if you were standing in a dark cave in need of at least a candle’s flicker. “God so loved the world …”

Just one more thought: for this passage of the Bible, familiarity makes it all the sweeter.

GOD loves YOU!