12

Focus

Birthday Reboot

Grace, Gratefulness, and New Beginnings

“We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.”—Fyodor Dostoyevsky1

Many who heard the words of Jesus and saw His deeds felt a stirring in their hearts they had never experienced before. Nicodemus, a well-connected Jewish leader, honored member of the Sanhedrin, and respected Pharisee, was one of them. Like many other Jews living in Palestine at that time, he waited for the arrival of the Messiah. His knowledge of the Scriptures was profound. He had dedicated his life to the study of torah, the law.

THE CONVERSATION

John describes the nighttime encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-21. Nicodemus sought out the young Rabbi from Nazareth under the protection of darkness. His heart had been moved—and yet he wasn’t quite sure. He must have carefully thought about his opening statement: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).

Nicodemus was courteous and respectful. “Rabbi,” meaning “my master, my teacher,” was the appropriate way to address a spiritual leader. Note that Nicodemus was hedging his bets. He didn’t address Jesus as “Messiah” or “Christ”— even though he recognized the source of Jesus’ signs and wonders as ultimately pointing back to God.

Jesus wasn’t sidetracked by titles or flowery language. His response was direct and left no room for uncertainty, introduced by an emphatic assertion: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (verse 3). In the biblical text Jesus picked up on a verb used in Nicodemus’ introduction describing the ability of Jesus to “do” these signs. Jesus’ response used the same verb with the negative stating emphatically that, except for being born again, one was not able to see God’s kingdom.

Nicodemus knew about “doing.” As a good Pharisee he was committed to “doing” (or “keeping”) the law—but what did it mean to be born again, or “from above,” as other versions translate?

The figure of a new birth was not entirely foreign to Nicodemus. Judaism used it to describe the experience of new converts. Jesus’ very personal and pointed response, however, hit a nerve in

Nicodemus. “He felt that he needed no change,” writes Ellen White. “Hence his surprise at the Saviour’s words. He was irritated by their close application to himself. The pride of the Pharisee was struggling against the honest desire of the seeker after truth.”2

Nicodemus’ response to Jesus’ opening statement expresses some of this irritation. Isn’t it nonsensical to say that an old man (like me) should be born a second time? Let’s rather talk about prophecy and theology.

Jesus did not, however, want to talk about prophecy or theology. He wanted to talk about Nicodemus and his need to be born of water and the Spirit (cf. verse 5).

We can relate to Nicodemus’ reaction. We too dislike it when someone comes too close for comfort—and especially if that person is Jesus pushing us out of our comfort zone.

Nicodemus didn’t turn around and disappear into the darkness of the night. He stayed as Jesus talked about this new beginning. He asked questions (verse 9) and paid close attention. When Jesus introduced the example of the raised serpent in the wilderness, he began to connect the dots. Leaving Jesus that evening, he was ready to continue his search.

THE DECISION

Evangelists and professors of practical theology have long studied the art of helping people to make decisions. Jesus seemed to adapt His approach to the needs and the situation of a particular person. To some He simply said, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19; 8:22; etc.). Others He left with a question. We have no conclusive biblical record how His conversation with Nicodemus ended.

Ellen White offers some helpful insights: “Not through controversy and discussions is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson, and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.”3

Nicodemus’ decision must have grown over time. Following his encounter with Jesus in the early part of Jesus’ ministry, he disappears from the radar of the biblical authors except for a brief reference in John 7:50-52, where he reminds his fellow leaders that, based on biblical law, Jesus should not be condemned without a proper hearing and trial. He doesn’t garner “likes” for this statement from his colleagues.

But Nicodemus doesn’t seem to care, for the next time we meet him in the biblical text is in John 19:39 when he brings a large container of a costly mixture of myrrh and aloe to be used in the burial of Jesus. Right at the end, when most of the disciples had fled, Nicodemus stands up to publicly declare his allegiance to Christ—another win for the gentle Healer from Nazareth, who had taken time to meet a man who genuinely searched for the Messiah.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Wherever we meet our Saviour— on a road to Damascus, during a clandestine nightly encounter, in a family circle worshipping together, or in a classroom studying mathematics or history—He is ready to reach out to us in ways that we can understand. He doesn’t bully. He doesn’t manipulate. He just invites.

Once we recognize our need of His grace, our hearts begin to burst with gratefulness. Something new begins to grow. A new birth leads to new beginnings. We’re eager to share this gift with those around us. We’re ready to become a blessing to our world. We’re excited to go wherever He leads. For some that may mean changing cultures and countries. For others it means the quiet, steady, committed service they offer as Sabbath School teachers or deacons or musicians or elders in a local congregation. For all of us it’s a daily reminder of His Creatorship—for only He can make us new.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

1 Online at www.goodreads.com/quotes/92639-we-sometimesencounter-people-even-perfect-strangers-who-begin-to. 2 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 171. 3 Ibid., p. 175.

Gerald A. Klingbeil serves as an associate editor of Adventist World.

Focus

Looking Out for Each Other

Coping with this pandemic together

We are best primed for new beginnings when we pay close attention to all of the things that make us whole. Mental health is a big part of that. Due to the drastic changes we are all experiencing as the pandemic continues, it’s so important for us to seek help and incorporate the advice of medical professionals as we need to. We are all in this together. —Editors

The impact of COVID-19 on mental health continues to grow. Canadian researchers, who track data from 56 studies on COVID-19 and mental health around the globe, have connected the disease to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma across a variety of demographic groups.

Th ese conditions are not unexpected as people navigate social distancing, economic uncertainty, grief, and fear. My colleagues in behavioral health and I are helping patients and the local community manage feelings related to the pandemic to keep more serious depression and anxiety at bay.

Psychiatrist Chad Lennon, who practices with me at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, agrees. “We are in an unprecedented time right now, and most people are not sure how to feel. It’s easy to ignore how we feel when we are dealing with something we have never experienced before, and the aftereff ects can be detrimental.”

He says strong emotional reactions can emerge after becoming ill with COVID-19 or caring for someone with the disease. Health-care workers, fi rst responders, and others at risk on the front lines can experience trauma. For individuals indirectly aff ected by COVID-19, all the changes in daily life can still be signifi cant stressors. Stress can impact individuals over time, even if they do not realize it.

People react diff erently. Some people may experience changes in their sleeping patterns, changes in their

eating habits, difficulty concentrating, and certainly fear and worry about their health or the health of their loved ones. And those with chronic health conditions may also see health conditions worsening.

THE TOLL ON CHILDREN AND SENIORS

COVID-19 can weigh especially heavily on children’s emotional wellness. Many don’t fully grasp what’s happening. Their school routine and social lives have been turned upside down. Therefore parents need to explain what’s happening in words children can understand. Parents must make sure children know that they’re safe and that it’s OK to feel upset.

I urge parents to watch children for signs of excessive irritability. Some kids may start acting younger than their age, talk about having a hard time sleeping, or experience nightmares.

They may also avoid things that they previously enjoyed. If these behaviors interfere with their daily life or family dynamics, contact, where available, mental health or primary-care providers or another trusted counselor.

For older adults, who have an increased physical risk of contracting COVID-19, there also are extra mental health considerations. One is the impact of added conflict with loved ones who urge seniors to stay home. These are awkward conversations to have with our elderly loved ones, where the roles are reversed. Families need to keep a united front, with everyone sharing the same messages about social distancing. Reassuring and socializing with older loved ones also are important. Call them, FaceTime, interact, and help them feel connected.

TIPS FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING

I recommend trying a variety of strategies to help maintain mental well-being through these challenging times.

Eat well. Make sure to eat a balanced diet. Avoid the temptation to keep unhealthy comfort foods in the house. Fruits and vegetables are especially important, particularly those with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. Elizabeth Bilodeau, a registered dietitian for Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, recommends citrus fruits, spinach, red bell pepper, and kiwi to reinforce immunity.

Get enough rest. Try to go to bed at the same time and try to make that bedtime earlier. Waking up at a regular time also is important. Routine is important even though it’s disrupted.

Trust. Worrying about COVID-19 does not mean spiritual weakness. Trusting in God and His power to save,

Photo: Sneksy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

heal, and comfort is important to remember; it is the believer’s unique coping tool. Actively focus on God’s power instead of the pain and suffering from COVID-19. With time, while the suffering may still be there, so will God’s ever-present peace. Remember those who have endured tribulation in the Bible and learn from how they weathered challenges with God by their side.

Exercise. At least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week helps stay physically healthy and boosts mental health. In winter, aim to get activity minutes in natural sunlight and pay close attention to changes in mood or energy levels. Seek help if you have symptoms such as irritability or uncontrollable oversleeping that lasts two weeks or longer.

Limit media intake. Overexposure to news stories or sifting through mixed messages on social media can trigger traumatic stress symptoms. Read or watch just enough news to stay informed, then move on to something enjoyable.

Stay connected with people. Even though we are physically distant, we need social connections now more than ever. Technology can be a great tool to keep in touch with friends and family. Check in with loved ones several times a week to keep lines of communication open. In this time of isolation, it can be hard to connect, but it’s important to talk to friends and family members about how you feel. They may feel the same and you can work through it together.

Create a self-care kit. Having a list of activities or items that bring joy can make all the difference in helping to cope as we progress through this crisis. Do whatever brings hope and inspiration.

Be kind to yourself. Don’t feel as though you must tackle home renovations, be the best homeschool teacher, learn a new language, or any of the other things you may see on social media. Do the best you can. Focus on keeping you and your family healthy.

Seek help. If you need to talk to someone, many health-care professionals offer telehealth and online counseling services. If you don’t know where to start, ask your primary-care doctor for help.

As we process this experience that is COVID-19, know that we are not going through this alone. We will heal from this together.

Marissa Leslie is a board-certified adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist who worships virtually every week to cope, as many of us are, and practices in Rockville, Maryland, United States.

Our Commission

We have work to do.

The year 2020 was one of the most unexpected years for most of us, starting with wars, famines, earthquakes, natural disasters, and ending with a global pandemic that has shaken the world, turning every aspect upside down.

Jesus warned: “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8). But the Son of man will come on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (verse 30). What a glorious day that will be! Imagine a life with no sorrow, no pain, no tears because all former things have passed away, even the ripple effect of COVID-19. He said it; we can believe it.

When I look forward to 2021, I ask God to renew my faith and the faith of those around me, including those in my church. Church has been one of my greatest anchors. It not only provides the fellowship and warmth of a family—it has been a place of truth, where I can study deeper the love of Him who first loved me.

I hope to see a church family that fulfills the Great Commission to preach the good news to all people (Matt. 28:18, 19). I hope we can allow Him who began a good work in us to see us through until the day of His return (Phil.

Imagine That

Turning dreams into reality

My hope for the church is for it to become even more focused on being welcoming and kind to its members and visitors. With people slowly emerging from the isolation of COVID–19, churches should be places where they can once again feel the embrace of Christlike love.

I struggle with the uncertainty of human behavior. I find it tough to look for love, value, and acceptance in others, only to see it fail or fall short. We’re all only human. We all face our own challenges and struggles to meet the needs of others.

But the desire to give and receive love makes us who we are. After all, we were made in the image of God, and God is love! We should show that love to others. If we fail to show it, perhaps we don’t understand Christ or Christianity.

Imagine this: it’s Sabbath morning, you’re getting ready to go to church. As you get into the car you’re not anxious about bumping into the elder you think is upset with you after a heated church board meeting—because that won’t happen. You aren’t thinking about your Sabbath School study group judging you for not completing the lesson study—because that won’t happen.

You arrive at church and are greeted by smiles and someone ask-

1:6). I hope for us to manifest the life of Jesus, even though we are “hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8, 9). That we may look at His Word afresh and be renewed, to carry on the special work that we have been called to do. I pray for unity and that we may all be one, just as He is one with the Father (John 17:22).

Most of all, I pray that as a church in 2021, with renewed vigor, we’ll be reminded of His promise: “Surely I am coming quickly” (Rev. 22:20). Let’s unanimously respond with shouts of acclamation: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Ellen Njeri, recently married, lives in Nairobi, Kenya.

ing how your week went. Someone approaches and says, “Thanks for helping me fi x my garden fence; you’re a lifesaver. I thank God for you.” In the service you feel comfortable enough to share a prayer request because you’re not afraid that the congregation will judge you.

After the service you get lots of invitations to join fellow believers at their home for lunch or just to hang out. You trust them the same way you trust a family member or friend.

Why do we have to imagine this? Surely this happens in churches all over the world.

This is my dream for the church, to become more welcoming and show genuine Christian love to a world that seriously needs it.

Andrew Lombart serves as a careers coach to university students in Canterbury, United Kingdom. He is discovering a passion and call to ministry.

Getting Together

We need each other.

Ihope that 2021 will bring about real and personal change for everyone in our church family and result in true togetherness.

We often build on a foundation we didn’t build. As a church we stand on the solid foundation that our Adventist forebears built. We cannot, however, just look at the past. I hope we will take the initiative to read the Bible for ourselves and ask the Spirit to guide us as we study together.

An underlying current of racism is present in our societies, and may appear even in some Adventist congregations. I hope that in 2021 we will be able to truly see each other and embrace one another in true togetherness.

I wish 2021 will be a year in which we care genuinely for our neighbors in our communities. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that people need people. We saw that in something as simple as people coming out every Thursday evening to show appreciation to the medical professionals who served on the front lines of battling the pandemic, as happened in the United Kingdom where I live. We enjoyed stepping out to see other smiling faces.

Many have struggled during the pandemic when families haven’t been able to visit older family members and check up on them. I hope that next year we can all work together to build a stronger connection between generations.

As parents let’s invest more to help our children connect to their Saviour and their church family..

I wish that we can each be true to ourselves. Instead of refl ecting inward, maybe we can use this time of isolation to look outward. After all, Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39).

Last, like everyone else I wish that 2021 will bring us closer to the return of Jesus Christ. I hope that we will all be better prepared to meet Him.

Preethy Christopher, 33, lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and daughter.

His Church, His Identity

Church: a social organism, a place, a building, a people—these are some of the attributes associated with the idea of church. While all these are correct, the definition that most closely relates to what we find in sacred text is “the body of Christ.”

We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advances and innovations. This allows, at least for those digitally connected, for maximum access with minimum effort, at an affordable expense for practically anything—from how we get our food to where we get pursued. It’s a universe of apps, channels, pages, profiles, and an unending array of links. Fortunately or unfortunately, these have categorically modified our lifestyles, shifted our priorities, and shaped our idea of the world as a whole, including that of the church.

Despite the ubiquity of the gospel, there still seems to be a disconnect between the church and those it seeks to reach. Church ministers and congregations passionately continue to embark on missions of seeking and saving those who are lost.

This statement, pronounced decades ago, continues to be true. Also true of the times we live in is the undeniable reality of “cancel culture” and an era of “spirituality” over religion. Cancel culture guarantees that individuals, institutions, and organizations are susceptible to being ostracized and marginalized should they choose to stand by values and morals that do not align with those of popular belief. Spirituality over religion guarantees that individuals who know the Word but choose to apply only certain parts of it have an alternative.

The church must embrace its identity as the body of Christ regardless of the polarization prophesied in the Bible. In line with Christ’s mission we are to invite those who genuinely try to live a God-seeking life preparing for the kingdom.

My hope for the church in 2021 is that it unapologetically embraces its identity, which is Christ. Everything else will fall into place. Solutions to issues of race, music, worship styles, even leadership will become more apparent because God is not a God of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33).

We have to reevaluate and align with Him. The time is now, for the Son of man is even at the door. So church, let’s boldly embrace the attributes of Him who died so that we could take on His identity.

Naomy J. Rodrigues, originally from Cape Verde, is a 2020 graduate of Washington Adventist University. She lives in Maryland, United States, and will attend law school this year.