‘What do you mean?’ exclaimed Nicodemus. ‘How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?’ John 3:4
Mystery lies at the heart of faith. It presents an obstacle to belief. How can I believe something I cannot comprehend? Nicodemus’ reaction reveals the intense frustration that burns in his heart. He hears, yet does not understand.
Whilst there is a rational basis for Jesus’ credentials as Saviour and Lord, placing my complete trust in him is irrational, i.e. beyond reason.
Jesus makes no apology. We must all wrestle with being born again. We may not literally return to our mother’s womb, yet in every other aspect of our understanding, we return to infancy.
My accumulated knowledge and skills still serve me, but bring me no closer to God. The world that has shaped my understanding to date is of no value in comprehending an unseen Kingdom awaiting full realisation.
Am I willing to explore entrusting who I am completely to Jesus’ promise of fullness of life? I most certainly long for inner fulfilment. To enjoy being at peace with myself and my circumstances is a prize worth seeking.
So for Nicodemus the price is the disturbance of rethinking his entire worldview. The very foundation and currency of his life and relationships. The fabric of his social framework. Everything in a moment is shaken. The substance of his life threatens to collapse, leaving him naked and vulnerable; just like a newborn.
If we are to know, love and follow God, we must enter through the mystery of new birth. We must leave the safety of our comfort zone and deliberately enter into the learning zone.
Here we are stretched, for everything we have used to construct our reality is subject to review. We choose to learn at a rate that best accommodates our own learning style. And slowly God’s life of faith takes shape within and around us.
Something to Consider: How uncomfortable am I with my life? Am I still seeking God’s fullness?
An Action to take: Move from your comfort zone into the learning zone and address your discomfort.
A Prayer to make: ‘God, help me surrender all of my life to You, and learn to know and love You more.’
Photo by Lena De Fanti on Unsplash
Used with Permission
