Text: John 3:1-17

In the name of the one holy and undivided Trinity.

Jesus answered him,” Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”…

John is the only apostle to share the story of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and even though he was a powerful ruler and teacher of Judaic law, he still wanted to learn about the mystifying connection Jesus had with God. Therefore, Nicodemus privately sought counsel with Jesus late one night. Well, I think Nicodemus was looking for the spiritual understanding he felt was missing from his life. He was searching for answers out of curiosity. We are very much like Nicodemus. We also want to know and understand how to acquire a special and unique relationship with God.

What Jesus said, however created a dilemma for Nicodemus. Jesus told him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” This has also been understood to mean, “born again.” Nicodemus did not quite understand what Jesus meant and neither do some of us. What does it mean to be born from above or born again? Jesus was referring Spirit. The Greek translation an o then has several meanings: “from above”, “again”, “born a new.” This spiritual renewal or rebirth process is not acquired through any worldly means. This, radical change is considered to be like a new birth. This radical change in the soul is engineered by the graceful power of God. (copied and adapted from The New Dailey Study Bible, the Gospel of John, Vol. One, William Barclay, p.146).

Mary MacLeod Bethune, a prominent African American and the founder of Bethune-Cookman College, provides for us a heightened example of spiritual renewal. She says, “the scales fell from my eyes and the light came flooding in…” (Mary MacLeod Bethune in Gerda Lerner, Black Women in America. New York: Vintage, 1973, p.136) Her childhood was spent within an environment of the Jim Crow South. She found a sense of worth, value, and love from the Word of God that sustained her throughout her life. Bethune was transformed while reading, “that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whosoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) This scripture was an Epiphany and life-changing occurrence because she realized that “she had just as much chance as anybody in the sight and love of God.” Bethune felt for the first time that she was somebody in the eyes of God. Her heart became the resting place for her faith, confidence, and determination. This was a major turning point in Bethune’s life.

I have had several turning points over the past several years that I can recall that changed my life. One that comes to my mind occurred in 1999 at my former parish. I was assisting during healing prayers for fellow parishioners at the altar. I was reluctant at first. I hesitated because I was unsure as to what to say. It was the first time, I had prayed aloud with someone at the altar. When I finished I was in tears. I felt a deep humbling feeling that I had never experienced before. I realized that I had relinquished my fear of praying extemporaneous. God gave me the words to say. You know us Episcopalians are a little shy about praying aloud.

Anyway, before I could get back to my choir, I felt suspended by a something holding me on the right side of my head. Tears were still rolling down my face. However, the over whelming sense of peace and comfort was very calming by what ever was holding me. An inner voice said to me, “I’ve got you now. I replied I know and I am scared.” That was a day of full surrender to God’s will for me in my life. This was my Epiphany. I could find peace and comfort with a new life path God was designing for me to follow with trust.

We may not all have such heightened spiritual experiences. They may be subtle. They may occur over a lifetime. They may occur when we are very unaware of what may be happening. Every experience of spiritual renewal is distinct and unique. God offers us an invitation to embrace spiritual empowerment. Spirit renewal is far beyond what our eyes can see. It is beyond what our minds can imagine. Spiritual renewal is beyond our ability to control.

The movement of the Holy Spirit is beautifully expressed by the lyrics of Joyce M. Firth in her song “Move, says the Spirit...

“Move says the Spirit,
“and respond and grow.
Leave the past behind you,
there’s yet more to know.”

“Move says the Spirit,
“and begin to love.
You have worth and value
to the Lord above.”

“Move, says the Spirit,
“to the rhythm of life.
Work for peace and justice
and an end to strife.”

“Move, says the Spirit,
“be alert and speak.
Give God’s gracious message
to the poor and weak.”

“Move, says the Spirit,
“at your Lord’s command.
He gives strength and power
for the work in hand.”

(Joyce M. Firth, Worship Live no.13; London: Stainer and Bell, Spring 1999, p.14)

Jesus did not mean that if you do not have a big bang spiritual experience that you would be excluded from entering the kingdom. Such text interpretation omits the fact that God’s love is on a much larger worldly scale for all people.

Let us remember that we are all called to be open to the will of God in our lives. Such openness brings a radical transformation that will require changes in our lives. We are called to release our past fears and trust God along our spiritual journey. We are called to see with new eyes the perspective world of the kingdom of God as followers of Christ. Let the Spirit lead and rule your life during Lent and always. Amen