Our scripture this week is John 3:1-17.
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
John 3:4-8
John the Baptist told us if we truly want to enter the kingdom of God we must change our hearts and lives. Jesus indicates the level of change required in order to follow Him as being born again. This sounds difficult, more than breaking bad habits and old patterns of behavior. This is changing how we live.
Jesus compares the movement of the Spirit to the movement of the wind in an attempt to help Nicodemus (and us) better understand. People whose lives have been changed by Jesus can share their experience and God’s love, but each of us must make the choice for ourselves to follow Him. When we realize the depth of His blessings for us and accept His call, it is like being born again.
Jesus knows this is hard for us, but He doesn’t lessen the requirement or soften the obligation. Living for God and others first is what is asked of us. If we want to live in His light, we must be born again.
Loving Lord, we are weak by ourselves but strong in You. Help us to be new creatures through Your loving Spirit. Amen.