April 9

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again’ ” (John 3:5-7)

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin came to Jesus to submit some questions. He was honest in his approach, but Jesus didn’t make it easy for him and said: “man must be born again to see the Kingdom of God.” All, including Nicodemus, knew that it was impossible to be born again physically and the person, who always must understand, won’t get much from this. The new birth must be enclosed in faith. It deals with a spiritual new birth in our inner being.

A young woman in a rehabilitation home for teenagers, who’d had some misfortunes in life, was interviewed on a TV program. Her sad eyes looked into the camera as she talked about her life. She was only thirteen years old but yet she felt that her life was already destroyed and that there was nothing left in life to hope for. And she says with regret in her voice: ”I wish I could be born again”. I wanted to yell into the television and give her the answer: ”Yes! It’s possible! Jesus offers you the opportunity to begin anew. He can give you a new life. You can be born again.”

It makes no difference if you are young or old. If you only want and dare, Jesus can give you a new start in life where you never again need struggle alone because if you invite him in to share your life with you He will never leave you.

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the Bible stories that speak about You and gradually move us ever closer to You when we dare read with an open and expectant mind. I pray that I shall meet You as the righteous and living God and recognize You in all I encounter today.