Darkness... or LIGHT!

Nicodemus came to Jesus in the dark of night. He was a Pharisee, probably fearful of what other Pharisees would think of him if they knew he was going to seek out Jesus of Nazareth... this man who the religious leaders of the day were ready to quiet once and for all. Little did he know, in that darkness, he was coming to seek out the LIGHT of the world!
Our devotional author says in today's devotion, "Like Nicodemus, there is a Pharisee hidden deep inside every one of us too." I know I have struggled with the pride of a Pharisee in my heart. I have "boasted" in my own ways, and taken pride in my involvement as a "religious leader". At times I allow much of my identity and worth come from that, rather than from seeing myself as a redeemed sinner, a child of God, precious in His sight.
In today's devotion I am challenged by a question the author asks about Nicodemus, and now ask it of myself, "Will Korey admit she is drowning in her sins and only Jesus can set her free?" Or will I try to self-manage my sins and just be a better person, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better servant? Can't I shed light on my own soul? I already know what's hidden there. Do I really need Jesus' light to expose it? YES! Only the light of Jesus coming in to the darkest places of our souls, exposing the sins and washing them away with HIS BLOOD will be able to set us free.
Come Lord Jesus, shine your light into our hearts. Set us free from EVERY sin that we may live in the FREEDOM of your love and grace. Amen.