The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. - John 3:8 (NIV)
There are many things in life that we use every day that we don’t fully understand. For example, you have likely turned on the faucet this morning. When you lifted the handle or turned the knob, you believed water would come from the tap. You believe it because this is what usually happens. You probably don’t pause to think about the source, the purification process, the pipes that carry it, nor the mechanics behind the faucet–all you know is you receive water with a lift or twist.
In John 3:1-15, Jesus is meeting with the Pharisee Nicodemus and a member of the Jewish ruling council. When Jesus said that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again,” Nicodemus followed up with the totally understandable earthly-minded question of “how this can be?” What are the mechanics? Jesus’ initial reply does not seem to make the concept any clearer. Then, Jesus continues revealing the response in today’s verse that this rebirth comes from acceptance.
As we turn the tap and receive water without comprehending, nor needing to understand, the source-to-tap process, so it is with the Holy Spirit. We don't need to know how it works, but we receive it by simply accepting that it does–by overcoming our doubts, we exhibit our faith in the process. The evidence of the Spirit comes in its presence and impact on our lives, even if the incomprehensible process remains a mystery.
This journey of faith and acceptance brings us to the mind-blowing reality Jesus declares in John 3:16-17, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
As we reflect on these scriptures, we remember that our faith journey begins with accepting the mystery of God’s work in our lives. As we trust the faucet to produce water, we trust the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us, leading us in faith, love, and the promise of eternal life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which fills our lives with Your presence and love. Help us embrace Your Holy Mystery and trust in Your guidance even when we do not fully understand. Strengthen our hearts to accept Your Spirit and let it transform us. May we feel Your presence and see the impact of Your love in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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