What does it mean to be born again?

Many of us join Nicodemus in his hidden conversation with Christ. Under the cover of night, he asks, acknowledging Jesus credentials as “a teacher who has come from God.” The Pharisee has seen many signs and knows God is with Jesus, although I doubt he actually could grasp that God is Jesus.

This conversation is the prelude to that familiar testimony, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3.16) If we are to fully meet the truth in any scripture, it is helpful to read the text both before and after that scripture. Here we see a searching teacher asking a simple question to the Almighty, probably unaware of his audience.

In the buckle of the Bible Belt, we hear the phrase, “Born Again” like a mantra. It’s echoed everywhere, but do we understand it or is it churchy white noise? Do we want to seek out The Rabbi to ask the simple question and hope for our ignorance to remain hidden like our forefather, Nicodemus? What is it? Why are we being asked to bring baby pics to church and share favorite childhood memories on facebook?

The most basic, and perhaps, most overlooked element in that classic, John 3.16 is: it’s God who so sought to love the world, not the world whom so desired God’s love. We are fully relying on God for our new life, new birth, eternal destiny and present fate.

Ever seen an early ultrasound? We all begin life looking a lot like a bean. I heard a conversation over coffee at Panera. A new mom-to-be had just gotten a follow-up ultrasound and was excited to report that her unborn baby was looking more like a tiny truly human being and less like a lil black-eyed pea.

Before birth and as children, whatever our environment contains, whatever our parents or guardians expose us to is our lot. It’s a relationship beyond trust; as children, we have no choice except total reliance on those around us. Some of us have suffered from being under the care of careless ones. We may have some hesitation in relying on another, even our creator who so loves his creation.

As we struggle to be born again, made anew from the inside out to rely on God perfectly, what hinders us? Fear? Self-reliance? Addiction? Guilt? Regrets? Broken relationships with self, neighbor or God?

On Sunday, we will be asked to name something in our lives that may keep us from being fully God’s. We will have a private response. In lent, we come to Christ in secret with our questions and our burdens. We gather as a community to encourage, confess, strengthen and receive forgiveness to live in joyful obedience.

Join us Sunday for a new look at our baby pictures and how we can live into the call of “Born Again.”

Live the Mystery!
Pastor Amy

PS: We will also have a special prayer time for the people of Japan and an update on UMCOR’s work there. If you would like to give to the financial effort, then please write “Japan” on the subject line of your check or on the offering envelope, and we will forward 100% of your gift to work in Japan.