He (Jesus) says that in spite of her incredible pain, a new mother is filled with joy at the sight of her child. So Jesus has the audacity to say “That’s just a dim hint of the joy I sense when I look at you. All my suffering, torment and death I have willingly borne, for the greater joy of saving and loving you.” Until you see that and believe and rest in that, you cannot be born again. ( “On Birth” page 83, by Timothy Keller.)

Dr. Keller’s reference to Jesus’ words comes from John 16:21: A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her hour has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. Dr. Keller suggests that the image of the mother giving birth was chosen by Jesus so that the disciples could contemplate their own new birth when the risen Jesus returned tothem after suffering the cross, and the disciples received the Holy Spirit. At least some of the disciples had been present when Jesus told Nicodemus That, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)

After all these years, the words “Born Again”, or “second birth” are puzzling to many Christians and almost all non Christians; but the words echo real experiences to the many Christians who say with wonder and joy, “I have been born again! I have received second birth!”

With Holy Week approaching, it’s good for me to focus on the love that fueled Jesus’ decision to fulfill his purpose for being on earth and sharing the lives of his people. Dr. Keller’s writing of the births of babies reminded me of Jesus ‘ emphatic love for children: “Let the children come to me and don’t hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14, and two other Gospels)

Dr. Keller affirms the need to have a second birth, rooted in an experience of the deep love of God in Christ. To receive the “second birth” is not a reward or an initiation. It is God sharing His own Spirit with ordinary people. It is the gift that God intended to give when He first sent Jesus, and it is priceless.

Love in Him,

Prue