Born Again

Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.”  (John 3:5) 
 
This conversation in John Chapter 3 is between Jesus and a Jewish Sanhedrin member, Nicodemus, who came to Jesus during the evening hours. Jesus quickly directs the discussion to conversion. He tells Nicodemus that he must have a conversion experience likened unto birth (i.e., born again) in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Completely perplexed, Nicodemus is astounded and overwhelmed with Christ.  
 
We don’t read about Nicodemus again until John Chapter 7, when he tries to talk sense into the Sanhedrin in their desire to arrest Jesus. We meet him again in John Chapter 19, when he is publicly identifying with the followers of Jesus, as he is involved in the anointing of Jesus’ body. From a night encounter to tender service, Nicodemus continues his journey toward following Christ. He started and continued his walk with Christ. That is what discipleship involves. 
 
Do you remember when you first began your journey with Christ? Maybe, it began when you were young, or maybe it was just recently. Regardless of “when,” it is critical that you stay on the path. We often begin with questions, questions which still baffle us today. Later, we learn that Christianity is not about getting our information list completed. Instead, it is simply following diligently after the Master, even if our minds are not able to fully understand His answers.  
 
Following Jesus is not only an intellectual pursuit, it is a life altering, directional journey. When Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again, He was talking about a change, a real change, which would result in a new direction in his life. Nicodemus revealed such a change had actually occurred in him by his perseverance to actually stay on the path of following Christ.  
 
Today is your opportunity to continue on your journey. As you seek Christ, ask Him what the next steps are for you today. Representing Him where you work, live, and breathe is definitely on the agenda. Identifying with others who are following Him will also be high on the list. Just like Nicodemus, may it be said that we were last seen serving Christ with others who deeply love Him. Prove that you belong to Him…stay on the path!