What do we do when a conversation were having is derailed? Do we
– get annoyed
– go with the flow
– reroute the conversation
I suspect that our actions depend on the subject, the speaker, and the situation. (Of course, it could also be the way they spoke then, as I recall this seemed to be typical of Y’shua Jesus.) This was Nicodemus’ decision to make at that after dark divine encounter. He must have counted the cost before opting to go with the flow. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat
John 3:4 AMP
[4] Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”
But How
Y’shua was known for strange responses to direct questions, but this answer was outside the realm of Nicodemus’ intellect. Y’shua’s answer defies natural biology. Even with the scientific advances we’ve made in this era, I would argue that we’ve not yet done that. There are clones, but a clone isn’t reborn. It’s a duplication. In Y’shua’s time, these weren’t to be found in human imagination, so it would certainly be outside of Nicodemus’ frame of reference.
What we do know is that Nicodemus’ interest was picqued. That might explain why he didn’t try to reroute the conversation or get annoyed. He asked Y’shua for clarification. There was no pretence of understanding (you know how some of us do it, smile and nod), no change of subject. Nicodemus went directly to the point.
Self-Check
Are we comfortable with seeking clarification from others when we’re not understanding something? What about when we need clarity from God?
Application
The Self-Check questions add another perspective for looking at our own divine encounters. Our seeking out of Jesus may not derive from curiosity or fact-finding. We might seek God for answers to personal or public situations that weigh on our minds and spirits. It may even be matters of life and death. In such situations, we desire direct answers or solutions. For some of us (or for persons we know), our very lives, and our faith depend on it.
If God’s response seems absolutely profound or outside our frame of reference, it might be that God wants to deepen our relationship. We might recall the prophet’s appeal on God’s behalf in Isaiah 1:18. ‘Come, let’s reason together, says the Lord…’ That is indicative of someone wanting to speak with us. In fact, the verse continues to say that even if our life isn’t where it ought to be, God will clean us up to enter God’s presence. That’s where Y’shua comes in. His blood makes us clean in God’s presence. God wants to relationship with us that much.
Siblings, when we know that we’re being heard, when we are hit with our ‘but how’ moments, can we make room for God’s change of subject like Nicodemus did? What if we hear Y’shua saying, ‘not yet’?
Perhaps the even more pressing concern for our faith is, where do we go with our ‘But How’ questions? It may feel easier to seek human sources, familiar or other spirits, or choose to disbelieve God’s existence and sovereignty. However, our best recourse might be to ask God, ‘But How’.
Point to Ponder
Is there a ‘But How’ question we are waiting to reason through with God? Let’s develop enough patience to make it a conversation with God rather than with others.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
