You Must Be Born Again
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel and knowest not these things? (John 3:7-10)
Jesus explained to Nicodemus—a highly respected leader in Judaism—that being born again is a work of the Holy Spirit, not something we can comprehend through human logic. Being born again isn't merely a religious phrase; it’s the reality of what happens when the power of God creates entirely new beings among those who believe. Old things pass away, and all things become new. Jesus compared the Holy Spirit to the wind, indicating that you don’t always know where He is coming from or where He is going. Jesus emphasized that following the Holy Spirit is an act of faith. You cannot predict His next move or His subsequent direction. We are called to live open to obey and follow, even when we don’t fully understand it.
Nicodemus struggled to grasp what Jesus was teaching him because he relied heavily on religious rituals and his ability to understand things intellectually. He wanted spiritual truths to be logically dissected and neatly explained. Jesus challenged Nicodemus to move beyond head knowledge and into an experiential relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.Â
You might have experienced being like Nicodemus. Have you ever tried to figure out everything God is doing in your life using logic alone, only to find yourself frustrated or confused? Jesus clarified that following the Holy Spirit cannot always be understood through human reasoning. Instead, it must be experienced through trust and obedience.
Today, rather than relying solely on your intellect, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal more of God’s Word and plan. Although you might not fully grasp every detail, the Holy Spirit faithfully guides you into deeper relationships and clearer understanding.
Practical Application
When you feel confused or frustrated, pray instead of attempting to figure everything out first. Pause and listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit.