In the third chapter of John there is this story of the encounter of Jesus and Nicodemus. That story can be see in so many ways. The question that Nicodemus asked, "How can I see the Kingdom of God?" was answered with Jesus saying, "You must be born again." What do we do with this text?
1. We could proceed in thinking about a "born again" religious experience. There are people who know what this means for their lives. There are people who have been "born again" and they are religious in every sense of the word. Being born again is an object of faith and we are encouraged to lean toward that kind of experience.
2. An alternate translation of the text suggest Jesus saying, "You must be born from above." This has, perhaps, a very different sense to it. Being born from above has a kind of perspective of vision or a loft of wisdom. It can mean looking at the world from a higher vantage point. It can encourage one to look at the world from the perspective of God.
3. Another interpretation of the text calls for a look at our lives as if we are considering something new about us. It is an evolution of spirit and soul into a new and unfounded state. We have something to look forward to in our lives. We have something about us that is undiscovered. If we are to be part of the Kingdom of God we must know there is a new being and a new awareness pending.
Of these interpretations I am most attracted to the third. I think the influence of faith is to force us to see that there is always something about us that we have yet to know. Being part of the Kingdom of God means we realize we are evolving and never finished.
What do you think about this? How do you understand "born again"?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thought click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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