Tuesday April 19, 2022

Today is Tuesday, April 19 and we are exploring what the bible says about new birth in Christ.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart and mind as I search the holy scriptures. God, teach me how to listen for your voice and help me understand what you are saying in my life. I am listening. Speak to me in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I join faithful people across the centuries and joyfully praise my Lord with the words of Psalm 33.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:1-3

Pause and Pray

Nicodemus came to visit Jesus at night. He was educated, theologically knowledgeable and a member of the religious elite. Perhaps he called on Jesus after dark so that his interest would be hidden. It would have been shocking for a learned Jew of the council to approach this questionable itinerant preacher – but Nicodemus risked his reputation because he wanted to know who Jesus was. His coming at night implies he was “in the dark”, uncertain, unknowing and unclear about the truth of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be born again. Spiritual rebirth occurs when we have faith and believe in Jesus. The result is salvation through Christ, new life through the Spirit, assurance of God’s love, power over sin and victory over death.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “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.’” John 3:3-7

At first I was blind to my helpless spiritual condition trapped in the origins of my inherent sinful human nature. When God awakened my spirit, I obtained an acute awareness of my sinful ways and the power sin exerted over my life. This brought tremendous grief and sorrow for my miserable state. No matter how hard a person tries, they are unable to escape sin on their own, over time the trap tightens. The world needs a rescue plan. The world needs a savior. God gave us Jesus. When I have faith in Christ, I am set right with God and I am born again. Like a baby in the water of the womb, I am initially unaware of my spiritual condition, but when I am born spiritually into new life I am able to see, hear and breathe. Through grace, I am born both of water and the spirit. I am awakened to the kingdom of God.

Ask: When have I experienced new birth in Christ and how would I describe it to others?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I long to see and enter your kingdom. Please open the scriptures to me and awaken my soul. Show me what Jesus meant when he told Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” Reveal how this applies to me and my life. I pray the power of your Holy Spirit will give birth to my spirit opening the gate to sanctification. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “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.’” John 3:3-7

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

The words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus long ago, speak to me today. Perhaps I am as uncertain and confused as Nicodemus once was, but I listen carefully with the ears of my heart, longing for God to reveal the next step in my spiritual journey. What does the Holy Spirit want to do in my life and how can I best cooperate? Perhaps God is awakening me to the need for justification wanting to set (or reset) things right. Maybe God knows I need regeneration of my soul and a profound change deep inside. Perhaps God is opening the gate to sanctifying grace and inviting me forth on a journey toward holiness.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I come to you as “in the dark” and unclear as Nicodemus once was. Please teach me your truths and show me your ways. I ask you to remove the obstacles and break down the barriers which prevent my spiritual progress and open the doorway to the life of grace you have for me. Amen.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

I leave this time of prayer transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit possessing a renewed love for God and increased desire to serve others in the name of Jesus.

Amen