So yesterday was my birthday. Many of my Face Book friends made me feel very happy and loved by expressing their well wishes on this date which rolls around annually. For the record I reached the speed limit. We’ll not discuss which one. It is nice that the social media tool reminds our friends to reach out and give a thoughtful sentiment to those of us celebrating these milestones of life.
Ah, but I have two birthdays so don't put away the cake too soon.
In Jesus' day there was a Pharisee, one of the Jewish leaders who came to see Jesus to talk about spiritual things. Nicodemus was his name and we know he was listening favorably to what Jesus was sharing because he proclaimed, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." John 3:2. But – He was also confused. And I’m afraid what Jesus had to share with him during their conversation would perhaps confuse him a bit more.
You see, Jesus flat out said
Nicodemus needed to be “Born again” John
3:5 in order to see the kingdom of
God. Thinking in the terms of this world
that is way out there and Nicodemus responded accordingly. "How
can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his
mother's womb and be born, can he?" John 3:4. From his perspective, he just couldn’t
make sense of this wacky idea.
But what about us? Do we get what is being said here? What is this additional birth and why is it
necessary? Gee – loads of
questions there Dale
As foundation we should understand that birth is the point of entering into
life and it is from this perspective that Jesus' remarks take shape. When we are physically born from
our mother’s womb we enter into life in this world. That’s the birth I celebrated yesterday, my
birthday. Woo Hoo!
It is entering into life
spiritually that happens for those who become Christians. They are literally born into their spiritual
life so according to Jesus they are “Born again” and yes, it makes sense in
those terms. This is where the
term Born Again believer comes from which is of course redundant. Why?
Because in order to be counted a believer you must what? ... Be born again. So, all believers are born again.
So what about that second birthday?
On the day when you are born again
you might say you have a second birthday. It is clear from many personal
testimonies that lots of people can point to their exact date of second birth. They remember it clearly and can provide
through their personal testimonies the dramatic witness of an evangelist for example that drew them to a new life in Christ.
We’re all not that way.
Just as I don’t remember my birth
into this physical life, I don’t remember my birth into spiritual life. Just as I am alive and therefore must have
been born, I am alive spiritually and therefore must have been born again. I know of my physical birth and birthday
because I was told that it occurred a speed limit ago. I do not have anyone that specifically
witnessed my spiritual birth and is able to give me that precise date. I know however that I have that second birthday
because of faith that I know to be real.
So what about you? Do you have a second birthday? Whether you know the date or simply know that
it is true – that second birthday is truly the one to celebrate. AMEN
