Born Again
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer:
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 3 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3
Meditatio (Meditation)
In the quiet of the night, under the cloak of darkness, a Pharisee named Nicodemus approached Jesus with curiosity swirling in his heart. Perhaps he had seen the signs, heard the whispers, or felt a stirring within his soul. Whatever the reason, Nicodemus sought out Jesus, not in the light of day where eyes could see and ears could hear, but in the shadowy embrace of night. As Nicodemus grappled with questions, Jesus responded with profound simplicity, inviting him into a conversation, utilizing the metaphor of birth to illustrate the spiritual transformation required to enter the Kingdom of God.
Nicodemus, like many of us, came seeking answers but found himself confronted with truth. Jesus spoke of a new birth, a transformation not of the body, but of the spirit. It was a concept foreign to Nicodemus, rooted in the tangible realities of his world. Yet Jesus spoke of spiritual truths that transcended the boundaries of human understanding. In the hush of that sacred moment, Nicodemus began to understand that to truly see the kingdom of God, one must be willing to be transformed from the inside out. It was a revelation that would change the course of his life forever.
In the darkness, Jesus illuminated the path to eternal life. He painted a picture of God's love, not as a distant concept, but as a tangible reality. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. These words, spoken in the stillness of the night, echoed with hope and promise.
Take a moment to reflect on the words you have read. Put yourself in the shoes of Nicodemus and consider the mixture of curiosity and apprehension he felt. Here was a man whose words had sparked something within Nicoodemus, something he couldn't quite articulate.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
How often do we, like Nicodemus, find ourselves clinging to the familiar, unable to embrace the newness that Jesus offers? We're comfortable with our routines, our beliefs, our way of life. Yet, Jesus beckons us to let go of our old selves and step into the unknown territory of spiritual rebirth. Embracing new beginnings requires vulnerability and humility. It means admitting that we don't have all the answers, and that our ways are limited compared to God's infinite wisdom. Just as a newborn relies entirely on its parents for nourishment and guidance, so too must we surrender ourselves wholly to God's care and direction.
Take a moment to consider the questions that run through your mind and heart, and how God invites you to bring all of your concerns to Him.
Actio (Action)
Nicodemus was faced with a choice, as we all are. Would he cling to the familiarity of the darkness, or would he step into the light of truth? Would he continue to rely on his own understanding, or would he surrender to the wisdom of the one who stood before him? As the conversation drew to a close, Jesus issued a simple invitation: believe. It was an invitation not just for Nicodemus, but for all who would hear his words. Believe in the power of God's love. Believe in the transformative work of the Spirit. Believe in the promise of eternal life.
Take a moment to consider where you are leaning on your own understanding and clinging to the familiar. What would it look like to loosen your grip, take a step of faith, and declare your dependence on God?
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, in the quiet moments, may I seek You with the same earnestness as Nicodemus sought Jesus. Grant me the courage to approach You with my questions and doubts, knowing that in Your presence, I find clarity and understanding. May Your Spirit move within me, birthing in me a newness of life and a deeper awareness of Your kingdom at work in my midst. Amen.