PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 3:1-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)
I have read many explanations of what it means to be born again.
And I can admit that even though I am “Israel’s teacher” (10), I do not understand.
But I do have a sense of their meaning, how it makes sense to me.
Something has to happen inside of me – something spiritual – for me to see.
A spiritual change of perspective, a new way of being me, a new way of living.
This is not just me changing some thoughts – “flesh giving birth to flesh” (6).
The Spirit of Jesus changes my heart, which changes everything else about me.
This change is so deep that it is a new beginning, like a new me being born.
It is a radical turning around, or changing of my mind, away from me to Jesus.
But am I willing to be changed like this, am I open to the Spirit making a new me?
Yes, yes I am; I long to see and know life as Jesus sees and knows it.
I long to be free from the old me that keeps slipping and tripping through folly.
In a sense, I feel like I am still being born, still in the rebirthing process.
The journey is long and painful but it is good – I am slowly waking up to see Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, your Spirit is birthing something new in me, and little by little I am seeing and experiencing this new life you are offering me. Open my newborn eyes to see you!
“I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
Lord help us open our eyes to your works here on earth, right before our eyes before we ask for heavenly understanding. Give us wisdom that I may see you in everything clearly.
The Spirit of the living God makes the change. His Spirit working within us/me makes me a child of God and that Spirit enables me to live for Jesus. That Spirit enables me to live God’s way and serve Him from day to day.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
“You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again'”
When I read this I thought is the concept of being born again so strange to Nicodemus as he lets on? He would have read the prophecy of Ezekiel – the vision of the valley of dry bones – where a whole army is reborn by the breath of the spirit. “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live…” Eze. 37:14 – the rebirth of the people of God. I too am born again – reshaped by the Spirit of God working within me – and because of it I will live. My life has changed and is changing. Renew me Lord and make after your will!