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1 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. 2 Late one night he visited Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it." 3 Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to - to God's kingdom." 4 "How can anyone," said Nicodemus, "be born who has already been born and grown up? You can't re-enter your mother's womb and be born again. What are you saying with this 'born-from-above' talk?" 5 Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation - the 'wind hovering over the water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life - it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. 6 When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch - the Spirit - and becomes a living spirit. 7 "So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above' - out of this world, so to speak. 8 You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God." 9 Nicodemus asked, "What do you mean by this? How does this happen?" 10 Jesus said, "You're a respected teacher of Israel and you don't know these basics? 11 Listen carefully. I'm speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. 12 If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God? 13 "No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. 14 In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up - 15 and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life. 16 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. 17 God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. (John 3:1-17 The Message Bible)
Happy Monday dear Friend! I pray the blessings from this weekend will continue to lift your spirits and bring you closer to the Lord's meaning and purpose for your life.
The darkness of night has led many a person to do not-expected or desired things. The darkness of night, think people, provides that which will allow one to do, or act, on things we know better shouldn't be done. And it even led a religious leader to seek Jesus out at night. the reality is that Nicodemus, already believed that maybe, just maybe, Jesus was who He said He was. But being a key leader in the Pharisees, he knew better than to seek Jesus out in broad daylight. Listen to his opening statement to Jesus: "Rabbi (okay, here Nick gives himself away by bestowing a title that the other Pharisees would not have!), we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it." By using we Nick is saying that perhaps others in his circle might be talking amongst themselves that maybe Jesus was the one whom He said he was. This version does use clever ways of saying Jesus is holy: God-pointing, God-revealing acts. The Lord does not disagree, instead He says, "You're absolutely right," then says what has blessed humanity since that night; "Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to - to God's kingdom."
Born again. It's a trademarked Baptist Corporation word, used since the first Baptist pastor read that passage and inserted the Baptist flag into that fertile ground. Born anew. Some modern Baptists may not allow that in certain churches, but it means the same thing. Born from above gives it away, which is what Jesus intended all along; people must seek a spiritual birth to better understand all spiritual things. We limit ourselves if we are not open to new words to better explain ancient truths. Jesus came to bring new life, a spiritual life, to all people. The things of the world tend to drag us down and threaten to drown us when we let them. Jesus came to break those chains and barriers, to lift the weights of the world off of us, and lead us to a better understanding of God.
Like Nicodemus, we may approach our faith with questions and uncertainty. We may wonder how to navigate the complexities of belief, but Jesus offers clarity amidst our confusion. He speaks of a new birth, not of flesh but of spirit, a transformational experience where the Spirit of God breathes new life into our souls.
This rebirth isn't about physicality but about surrendering to the movement of the Spirit, allowing ourselves to be carried into the kingdom of God. It's a radical shift, a departure from the old ways of thinking and being, into a new reality infused with divine love and purpose.
Jesus points to His own impending sacrifice, a demonstration of God's immense love for humanity. Through his death and resurrection, we are offered forgiveness and reconciliation, invited into a restored relationship with God. This act of love is not exclusive but extends to all humanity, regardless of background or status.
As we reflect on this passage, may we embrace the truth of our spiritual rebirth. Let us surrender to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, allowing God's love to permeate every aspect of our lives. And in this newfound life, may we extend the same love and grace to others, becoming beacons of light in a world desperate for hope and redemption.
PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, we thank you for the gift of spiritual rebirth, for the opportunity to be born anew in Your love. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be transformed from the inside out, becoming more like Your Son, Jesus Christ, with each passing day. Help us to embrace this new life wholeheartedly, trusting in Your unfailing love and grace. And empower us to share this love with others, that they too may experience the joy of salvation. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! HERE'S YOUR CALL TO ACTION: If there are areas of your life where you sense the need for transformation, then surrender those areas to God in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to work in and through you. Additionally, consider how you can extend God's love and grace to those around you.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
