READ: JOHN 3: 1-17
Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life. (Verse 6)
The small channel behind our Florida winter rental would teem with life with the coming of the high tide each day. It was like a “flying circus.” Large and small fish would be continually jumping out of the water. Grabbing our fishing poles and our finest lures, my wife and I went into immediate action believing the frenzied fish were ripe for the taking. The result—the fish kept jumping and we caught zilch!
We eventually learned that these jump happy fish were mullets ranging in size from one to five pounds. They are quite tasty fried or ground into mullet dip. Catching them requires very small gold-colored hooks baited with small pieces of white rubber worms giving them the appearance of oatmeal. You also need to prime the water with a paste like mixture of chicken feed—these fish are “vegans!” We discovered that while the water maybe filled with layers of fish, they are most likely busy creating new life and feeding is the last thing on their tiny brains. No wonder they jump for most of their short life span—these are truly happy fish, and we will leave it at that!
We, unlike the fish, are endowed by God with a high degree of intelligence, (not artificial), while the fish simply follow internal signals to spawn, eat and avoid danger. Our intelligence gives us the power to fully plan our own lives using a brain specifically designed for that purpose by God. We strive to obtain knowledge and wisdom; to attain financial security; to attain happiness; to attain a sense of self-worth; and to attain a semblance of spiritual well-being. Along the way we take time for education and training; to get jobs; to find soul mates; to raise families; and hopefully to develop an intense personal relationship with Christ. Like the mullet, when positive things happen in our lives we jump for joy in celebration. But unlike the fish, who consistently follow their internal guidance systems, we often fail to recognize, seek or obey ours—the Holy Spirit.
Nicodemus, the “Teacher of Teachers” among the Pharisees and Jewish religious leaders, sought out Jesus to gain a true understanding of God’s intention for the world. This encounter led him to discover that God’s Kingdom is for everyone and can only be obtained through personal spiritual rebirth. This rebirth can only take place when we trust and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit given to us for spiritual internal guidance by Christ 40 days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday. We are actively abiding in the Lower Story, God’s earthy kingdom and need to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit to know its full joy and be ready when Christ makes his triumphant return to take us to the Upper Story.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Want to be content, follow the internal guidance given you by Christ.
Dear Lord Jesus, through your birth, death and resurrection you extended to us to offer of salvation and eternal life. Help us follow the lead of the Holy Spirit that we accept this grace filled offer that we may live forever in Your holy light.