Born Again

 John 3: 1-17 v v3 “Jesus replied, “ I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus was a Pharisee. A leaned religious man. He came to see Jesus after dark. Was he a very busy man who only had time later in the day to talk with Jesus or was he nervous of others seeing him talking to Jesus so went when it was dark? He believed that Jesus was sent by God due to the miraculous signs he had performed. Early in Jesus ministry in the book of John, the only sign we are aware of at this time is the fact the Jesus turned water into wine. Nicodemus felt that this was evidence that “God is with you. ““Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mothers womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.” Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.” Jesus went on to explain the importance of understanding heavenly issues rather than human issues. “But the Son of Man must be lifted up so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.”

I am writing this on my son’s birthday, so images of a human birth are going through my head. The waiting, and preparation and then almost by surprise the day comes when your body starts the process of birthing a child. I remember my Mom saying that she wasn’t sure she was ready and sent a quick prayer “ could you stop this , not today!” But God has His own plans and ready or not our babies are born. And our lives are forever changed.

Where were you on your spiritual journey when you decided that you had to be born again? Were you ready? Had you done all the preparation necessary for a huge change in your life? When did you stop and go through the process of confessing your sins to God, water used as a symbol of cleansing, being born of water. And accepting Jesus as your savior and inviting the Holy Spirit into your life, being born of the spirit? How about now!

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.