Reborn

Reading: John 1:1-14

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (John 1:12-13 NLT)

As I was working on this devotional, I stopped to take a look at the two paragraphs I had written. They were about believing and accepting Jesus and receiving the right to be reborn. The words were true, but seemed trite and shallow as I read them. As I was wrestling with what I was trying to express, I told Jean how I was feeling. I said, “There’s just too big a gap between the reborn child of God I feel like I ought to be and the big lump of coal I feel like I am!”

I remembered a message my Pastor, Steve Mickel, once preached from John’s Gospel about the God that Jesus knew as Father—the God Jesus was representing to us all. He reminded us that Jesus is the perfect representation of his Father. He reminded us that Jesus gave two commandments: “Love God with all your heart and love others as you love yourselves.” What Jesus was actually saying to them (and us) is, “Here’s the one commandment that encompasses everything God wants for you and from you: Love each other as I have loved you!”

Steve talked about rebirth and our relationship with God our Father. Steve said, “Just come to him. Believe him. Be honest with him. Receive his forgiveness and cleansing and start fresh! So I did! At some point, I stopped thinking about what Pastor Steve had said and had my own dialog with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit said, “Simply believe him and accept him. That’s how you become Father’s child. That’s what opens the way for you to be reborn!”

I said, “I do. I believe and accept him! I believe Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. I believe I’m the beloved child of a very patient and gracious Father and I believe he accepts me just as I am! Again!” Tears were involved. A communion cup and bread was involved, but may be optional. I came away fresh and free and accepting and accepted. Reborn. Clean slate. Fresh start.

Maybe you need that today? If you do, find a little time today, reread these words, and have your own conversation with the Holy Spirit. Believe, Accept, and Receive.

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for taking the time to help me get simple again. I believe. I receive.