By Mike Caton

John 3:3, Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Nicodemus has not really asked anything of Jesus yet, not asked about the way to the kingdom, not asked about being saved, not asked about who Jesus was, not asked what Jesus’ plan was, and yet Jesus seems to answer the question that is on Nicodemus’ mind. And really, it is the question on every human being’s mind, what must I do to find the peace that I and everyone else so desperately desires? Even though people may not realize they are asking that question, they are looking for that peace. Maybe they are looking in a bottle, maybe in possessions, maybe in immoral behavior, maybe in a pastime, maybe in another person, maybe inside of themselves; but people are looking for peace, for hope, for meaning in life. Maybe they don’t call it the kingdom of God, but they are looking for meaning, peace, security, and hope.

Jesus very simply tells Nicodemus that a person must be born again. We have to leave our old ways behind, we have to begin again, we have to have a fresh, new start. And often that is the problem, we want new things, we want new hope, we want the new life, but we are not willing to leave the old one behind. To be born means you leave one place, even though it is the only place you have ever know, and go to another place. Think about a child being born, it is bright (and that is not always pleasant at the time), it is cold, there are many things going on that he cannot understand, it is loud, and so different it is like a whole new world. In fact, it is a new world, as far as the baby is concerned. And he might like to go back to where he was safe, warm, and comfortable. But it is time to move on, momma wants him out! But momma wants him out so that he can really be loved, cared for, experience new things, and enjoy the life that he is meant to have.

There are so many thoughts and comparisons to this new birth. But let’s at least recognize this is a completely new experience and way of life. There is a tremendous change that must take place. That is what Jesus is telling us here, we cannot continue on as we have and see the kingdom of God. We must have a radical and complete change.

Father, birth me again. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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