The author tells a story of two Jewish men with parallel spiritual journeys. Each of them were enlightened to dig their way out of the Hole of Religion as they entered the glorious surrender to a relationship with Jesus. That day of surrender was their First Day.
Herb Opalek was a well known Rabbi from New York. The Rabbi ultimately discovers Jesus is the only way to the Father after reading the Book of John from a different perspective and Holy Spirit led him to spend time with the least of these in a New York Rescue Mission where he discovered Truth.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee who Jesus called the Teacher of Israel, sought Jesus and acknowledged that He was sent from God. He had questions for Jesus, so Nicodemus broke the rules and sought Him out. It was in that quaint one-on-one meeting when Jesus spoke the words from John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ♥ Nicodemus was born again and accepted Jesus as Lord.
When I read a book of this nature, I expect a spiritual encounter. And boy, did I have one while reading about Nicodemus. The author pointed out the meaning of Nicodemus, which is 'innocent blood'. This is the meaning of his birth name; his identity. When Jesus' body was prepared for his tomb, Nicodemus was one of two men who wrapped the 'innocent blood' of Jesus for burial.
"And after this, Joseph of Arimathea--a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews--asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate granted him permission. So he came and took away His body. And Nicodemus also, who first had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, [weighing] about a hundred pounds. So they took Jesus' body and bound it in linen cloths with the spices (aromatics), as is the Jews' customary way to prepare for burial. Now there was a garden in the place where He was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever [yet] been laid. So there, because of the Jewish day of Preparation [and] since the tomb was near by, they laid Jesus." John 19:38-42
Think about that for just a moment! Nicodemus was born to do this. He was born to be the religious leader of Israel, named "Innocent Blood", to surrender his religion to Jesus The Messiah, The King of Jews, and wrap Jesus' body for burial. Nicodemus was THE one Jesus spoke John 3:16 to!
Glory to God!
This reminded me of my own identity; the meaning of my own name given to me at birth. 'Cherie' translated means 'Beloved'. "I am my Beloved's and My Beloved is mine". (Song of Solomon 6:3)
'Chosen' then came to mind. God chooses those He knows will love and glorify Him. In that instant, I was on my knees. Grateful. Humbled. Awestruck.
Religion kept me from a relationship with Jesus Christ, just as it had these two men. Fortunately, I did not spend years unraveling a web of deception and relearning my faith and beliefs like many dear friends have. But my family did not know about the concept of a relationship with Jesus, and therefore did not teach me. I believe God protected me from religion. Truly, I do. His Spirit drew me and I was looking for Him. Friends would invite me to their spiritual gatherings including Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. I was just a young girl, but I knew something was wrong with those religions. Oh, they were all really nice people. It was just a feeling I had that made me uncomfortable, like God was telling me, "No, this is not what you are searching for."
I am so thankful for the Good Shepherd. I already had endured enough abuse and deception; He did not want me to endure more than I already had.
If we've surrendered our life to God, then we have a First Day. In discussing this chapter, some have a very specific moment of surrender while others are on their way to encountering that moment. I wrote about my First Day in this post.
I must add....
In September of 1991, I met Jesus in a sanctuary tucked in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California. In the first several years, I learned to trust He is always there. What I did not understand was the 'relationship' aspect, and what 'surrender' really meant. Kathy, our joy-filled group leader told me that day in 1991 was like a seed planted in my heart, while complete surrender did not take hold until much later. My First Day did not come until fifteen years later, New Year's Eve 2006.
I hope you read the above link. Please tell others of your First Day. It could be the moment of their surrender.
