John 3:2,3

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

The biggest fear of a beginning golfer is having to take a swing in front of an audience or even play with a group of friends. They are afraid of hitting the ball off target or even miss the ball completely. Beginners assume every golfer around them on the course are scratch golfers. Nicodemus went in the darkness of night to approach Christ. He was a Pharisee and members of this Jewish ruling Council frequently challenged Jesus in public about his teachings. Nicodemus admitted to Jesus that He was a teacher sent from God, but was confused over how one can be “borned again.” He honestly came seeking after God. This meeting in the dark allowed Nicodemus to become bold for Christ. In John 7:50, he spoke against the unlawful seizure of Jesus. Later, he joined Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus for a traditional Jewish burial in John 19:39. We should not be ashamed or embarrassed of our current condition. Some reject going to a counselor for depression, a professional for lessons, or even a gym because we are ashamed thinking everyone there is already in a “cured” condition. The same is for the sinner. He or she is ashamed to come to Christ in his or her current sinful condition. Sinful conditions are in what Christ specializes. It is like the fear of going to dermatologist to show him/her that bump or discoloration fearing it is skin cancer. When we finally go the doctor, he/she calms us and says it’s “nothing to worry about!” When we humbly come to Christ for a life change wherever we are and whatever our condition, he welcomes us with open arms. My prayer is to boldly proclaim the loving nature of Christ to a world who is hurting and struggling with a hateful heart.