Journey to the Cross

Pause

The world is changing. When time passes between meetings, you see that friends and family are changing too.

And you are changing as well.

In these next moments, open your heart to God, who is seeking more than change in you, but transformation—something truly new.

Listen

Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit."

John 3:4–6

Think

Literally, I can’t imagine being born again. But spiritually, yes, I can imagine it. I was welcomed into the family of God on my baptism when I was four months old, being “marked as Christ’s own forever.” I don’t remember it, but I do remember my confirmation many years later when I renewed my commitment to follow Jesus. The gift of faith that came from my parents and godparents, from those who surround me in love, and from the Holy Spirit continues to bless me and spur me on to be the best I can be.

Nicodemus is a literal thinker. He is focused on the flesh of birth, like a newborn baby coming into the world. But Jesus is speaking of being born from above—born to live a life in a new way, open to the Spirit in a new creation.

I have a friend who, when she takes a shower, thinks about the water flowing over her as a re-baptism to a new day, a new beginning. Being born again is awakening to the grace and knowledge of God’s presence in her life. Each new day offers opportunities to begin life anew. How does God call you to new life?

Sharon Ely Pearson

Pray

Holy Spirit, wash over me. Fill my heart with a renewed sense to follow Jesus today and every day, for I yearn to live my life following God’s way instead of my ways. Amen.

Go

God's light is powerful, revealing
The way to new life,
A new birth by the power of the Spirit.

Walk into your day, then, with new questions
Received with infinite love,
Leading towards a life of righteousness.

God's steadfast care will provide.