Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, July 30, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-30-2017

This is devotional thought number 37 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: The New Me

Here’s the question for consideration: What must take place in order for me to be in the kingdom with God?

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:1–7).

I have wonderful news for you today. You get a do-over. That’s right. You get a do-over in life. We all do.

You should be dancing in the streets right now. I just gave you the best news anyone who understands sin and its penalty could ever receive. While there are some who loathe their lives now due to mistakes, family conditions, mental health issues, ailments, poverty, wealth, guilt feelings, or a host of other reasons, nobody really desires to miss out on eternal life - at least not those who have an inkling of what it is. I’m mean, think about it. Imagine a universe where there will be no death, crying, pain, hunger, poverty, or politricks. Imagine a universe where love abounds and there are no broken relationships, abusive people, no misogyny, human trafficking, hunger, homelessness, or war. Imagine a universe where there’s no such things as disease, natural disasters, climate change, radicalized religion, or travel bans. Imagine no ridiculous misuse of social media (maybe that’s my fantasy and not yours). Imagine a universe where all food is good food, crops are healthy and plentiful, and all waterways are pure. Above all, imagine seeing, walking with, and having conversations with God and all other heavenly beings any time you want, forever. Is this a fairy tale? No! There’s just one thing… If you will ever have a chance to enjoy such a reality, you must be born again (i.e. submit to the process of the do-over).

Jesus was crystal clear when He told Nicodemus about the do-over blessing. When we are born, in the natural sense, we inherit more than our daddy’s eyes and mommy’s nose. We inherit more than grandma Clarke’s knack for sculpting and grandpa Moran’s steady surgeon's hands. We also inherit their tendencies to lie, cheat, steal, be prideful, and be selfish. And worse, we often cultivate those tendencies toward evil. So what God does to spare us the eternal consequences of this genetic mess, is provide the Holy Spirit to miraculously hit the reset button on our lives? He gives us new, spiritual parentage if we choose to surrender to His guidance by faith. Not only is that which is born of the flesh prone to err, but also that which is born again, is prone to holiness. Isn’t God good. Will we have difficulties still? Yes. Will be able to still make mistakes if, God forbid, we choose? Yes. Will we have an Advocate with the Father; Jesus Christ, the Righteous One? Yes! Our do-over status positions us to have entirely new lives that live in harmony with God and the teachings outlined in His Word.

What must take place in order for...