Seasons: Fall — Thursday
John 3:3
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)
Yesterday, we talked about Charles Colson, who wrote a bestseller called Born Again. That title refers to Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus recorded in John 3. Nicodemus was a Jewish religious leader known as a Pharisee. Categorically, the Pharisees were quickly skeptical of Jesus and ultimately became so entrenched against Him that they worked to have Him killed. Preceding Jesus’ death was a conversation Nicomedus had with Jesus, in which Jesus told Nicodemus that He must be born again.
Nicodemus was puzzled, replying with a question that presumed Jesus was speaking literally. Jesus went on to explain that this rebirth wasn’t physical, but spiritual. On other occasions, Jesus taught His hearers that unless someone becomes like a little child, they cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. There is a thread of childlike, complete, and total dependency that frames up the requirement for life change.
Too often, we want Jesus to change things but on our terms. We need something fixed, but we’ve kept options off the table because, in our pride, we refuse to move forward. You know you need to seek another career path, but you’re stuck because your lifestyle must be maintained. You need to fix your marriage, but you’re convinced it’s not your fault and so you stop trying. You need to get counseling, but if people around you found out, you’d be embarrassed.
Today is just another day, but it could be the day you change. Even if you’ve been born again, you may need to become like a child and admit your need for help.
Thursday’s Reflection
If we at Southland can help you make any changes, please let us know.
