Day 3–From First Responder to Faith Responder
Scripture reading for February 4: John 3:1-5 “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Becoming a first responder is a transformational experience. It requires a personal decision to apply for the position and a willingness to train in the skills to do the job and use the equipment. After acceptance responders have to learn how to communicate and use the emergency response system. They have to be fitted for the uniforms, protective gear, and given new identification that certifies they are part of the team. A new mindset is also required that places priority on willingness to set aside personal time and matters to respond to emergency situations. They build skills and relationships fitting them into the team.
When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he was seeking to understand Jesus and His teaching and abilities that obviously came from God. He was concerned about what others might think of him doing this, so he came covertly. Jesus answered his inquiry with a strong statement of truth, stating that anyone seeking to know and join the kingdom of God must be born again. Nicodemus tried to fit this statement about being born again into a natural way of thinking. He asked if it was possible to enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born again? Jesus told him that his second birth would come by washing as with water through the Holy Spirit. It would be a supernatural birth coming by faith in Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, like Nicodemus, I have struggled to understand the kingdom of God and how to enter it. Keeping rules and laws have failed. I surrendered to Jesus Christ and ask Him to show me His way through new birth. Amen.
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