Nicodemus was a Pharisee and religious leader. He still had enough humility to acknowledge that Jesus' words spoke truth, even though it challenged his whole world view. His curiosity allowed him to come to Jesus, earnestly, cautiously. Jesus told him, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

To experience the kingdom of God takes nothing less than a rebirth, a revolution of the mind and spirit. To be born of the spirit requires a heart that is open to the transformative power of the spirit. It comes to those who are ready and yearning for it, and in God's time. No one can force it on someone or convince someone; only God's spirit can intervene. This spiritual awakening may feel like a mid-life crisis or something that challenges the foundation of one's understanding, but it really is the greatest gift anyone can receive in life. Like the Israelites, surrounded by snakes in the wilderness, God sends his salvation to those who are looking to him for it.


Application: Lord, may your spirit dawn upon us in our humility and yearning. Give us salvation and new birth into your kingdom.
One Word: Be born again