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John 3:1-6
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
This being Mothers Day and all, I really would like us to pay close attention this morning to the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus concerning being born again. Mom was central in our first birth; but, as we will discover, the second birth is much different.
Nicodemus did what many of us do when studying God’s Word. He attempted to make it carnal. He took what was spiritual insight and tried to fit it into his narrow notion of human possibilities. Of course it’s impossible to redo your initial birth and return to your mom’s womb as an embryo. But as a carnal concept, this answer seemed strangely adequate for the moment. In matter of fact, his response to Jesus’ mandate to be born again would have almost been appropriate had it not been for the failings of flesh. If flesh could have gotten it right the first time, Nicodemus may have had a point.
But our first birth has fatal flaws. As much as we love mom, and have inherited some of her DNA, we’ve also inherited her family history, weaknesses, ups, downs, failings and sins. It is specifically because we were ‘born in sin and shaped in iniquity’ that a new birth is necessary. And Nicodemus completely missed that point. Please let’s not miss it as well.
I believe we all are in agreement that no family is perfect. We can all find family traits that we’d rather disassociate ourselves from. There are lingering health issues that some of us are predisposed to. There are tendencies and proclivities that follow our families that aren’t always positive. There are even some ‘generational curses’ that we are too embarrassed to even speak about. And for all these things, we are comforted to know that we have deliverance in the name of Jesus. We aren’t worried or concern because we have a Deliverer. We are ready to be changed, but are we ready to change?
What about those traits of mom’s that we’ve become comfortable with? Those traits we really like having? What about those attributes that get us attention and make us feel really special? The attitudes that keep people far away, the indifference, the selfish nature and vindictive hearts? That’s where the true work of the Spirit is needed to come in.
It easy to pray for deliverance from the things we don’t like. But when is the last time we’ve sincerely prayed for God to take away the things that we favor? When is the last time we’ve actually begged God to help us change from the person we like being, to the person he wants us to become?
I know what I’m saying doesn’t even make common sense. Who does that? In the middle of a calm sea, who in their right mind would ask for a storm? When everything is going great and everyone loves you, who but a crazy person would seek to find joy in suffering? But that’s exactly what those that are truly born again have signed up for.
The New Birth experience is the power to change. It’s the power of change. It eradicates the influence of our first failed birth and replaces it with a new and vibrant life in Christ. But that life is unlike anything your flesh can ever imagine. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Dear Children of God, do not despair. The words of Christ to Nicodemus still hold true until this very day. The answer to Kingdom preparedness is complete and utter change. And the answer to change is New Birth. You must be born again!
God Bless
Celebrating Mother’s Day is one of the great privileges we have, especially when our mom has been a total angel and blessing. That’s definitely my experience. I have been blessed beyond expression; and for this I thank the Lord. Happy Mother’s Day mom and to all you wonderful women of God!
