2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Hosea 1:1-3:5 ESV, 1 John 5:1-21 ESV, Psalm 124:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 29:5-8 ESV
Daily Verse: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.” (1 John 5:1 ESV)
GENNAO (1080): “As a verb, means “to beget” and in the passive voice means “to be born.” In the writings of the apostle John, of the gracious act of God in conferring upon those who believe the nature and disposition of “children,” imparting to them spiritual life.”[1]
Imparting spiritual life.
Born again, a term often heard in the church, means spiritual birth. A rebirth of your soul that gives you new life.
“Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:3-7 ESV)
Born of spirit.
Our physical birth gives us life; our spiritual birth gives us entrance into God’s kingdom when we confess our sins and believe in Jesus. We need both to enjoy life to the fullest. Only with God’s eternal grace can we leave the past behind and embrace the future Jesus has for us.
Saying no to the temporary things of this world, and seeking the never-ending life Jesus offers, leads us into God’s peace. As we take responsibility for our actions, submitting them to God and asking for mercy, we gain new life. We can choose a different path from the one already traveled.
Inside all of us, we have a God-sized void only He can fill. People seek many things to fill the spiritual hole: money, power, and prestige don’t complete us. No matter how large the bank account, cash disappears as quickly as it comes. But when we place our faith in Jesus, nothing can separate us from God.
Experience spiritual rebirth as you place your faith in Jesus. Allow God to fill the void He created to connect with you. Plug the power cord into your internal outlet and let God’s love and mercy flow into you. Nothing can satisfy you like the Lord.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 59) Thomas Nelson
