Born again

​6-3-21
Today's devotion is based on Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus as it is recorded in John 3:3-5, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." "How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit."
Nicodemus didn't understand what Jesus was talking about. To him, it made no sense for someone who already was grown to climb back into his mother's womb to be born again.
But Jesus wasn't talking about being born physically a second time. He was talking about being born spiritually. Jesus described this second spiritual birth as being "born of water and the Spirit." The water he was talking about is the water of baptism. And just as was the case with our physical birth, we contribute nothing to it. Our second spiritual birth through holy baptism is entirely the work of God the Holy Spirit. He (not we) brings our spiritually dead hearts to life by leading us to trust in Jesus as our Savior. He (not we) takes us who are entirely separated from God and makes us God's own children. The triune God gives us new birth—a new life to be lived with him here and in eternity.
Please pray with me the prayer for today:  O triune God, all praise to you for the miracle of holy baptism. Thank you for using plain water and simple words to bring me into your family of believers. In your name, I pray.  Amen.