Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “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.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:1-6 ESV).
During the years I was a full-time pastor it was not unusual to be called out to minister with a family at a moment of crisis at all hours of the day and night. I was never upset or resentful at receiving such calls. Availability “24/7” was simply a part of the calling. These were always the times when families might have needed someone with a comforting or encouraging word the most. There are many other vocations that require such availability. All of them are exhausting at times. Even the strongest person cannot be at their best with little or no sleep.
How fortunate for us that Jesus doesn’t get exhausted! During his teaching ministry on earth, he needed sleep and times of refreshment away from people, but today, at the right hand of God, he is praying for us always. Even when he was living here, he didn’t tell Nicodemus not to bother him at night. Jesus was available to people who wanted to spend time with him.
The same is true today. When I wake up in the middle of the night worried about things at work, or my family, or whatever else is going on in my life, Jesus is there to listen to me. Listen to the message of the psalmist:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3 ESV).
Our faith can be formed at any time and in any circumstance. Faith formation doesn’t take time off at night or on the weekends. It happens all the time. And Jesus is waiting for us and listening to us all the time. Don’t be afraid to go to him at any time… 24/7!