Jesus replied, “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!” John 3:3-4 NIV
Nicodemus tried to fit the words of Jesus into the world he understood. The only birth he knew anything about was that which we’ve all experienced, our entrance into this world through our mother’s womb, but Jesus had something different in mind.
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:5-6 NIV
Jesus introduced Nicodemus to another dimension of life, the spiritual dimension. Just like our physical lives begin when we are born into this world, our spiritual lives, our ability to know God, begins when we are born of the Spirit. But what is the spiritual like? Jesus used the wind as an illustration to help Nicodemus understand.
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 NIV
No one denies the existence of the wind, though it can’t be seen, it’s effect is undeniable. So it is when you know God and operate in the spiritual dimension. You can’t see Him, but you have no doubt that He is active in your life. You sense His presence just like you experience the wind. Sometimes He makes His presence known like a stiff wind on a blustery day and others, like a slight breeze in summer, but you always know He’s active and involved.
Though our relationship with God cannot be seen or observed here on earth, those who want to some day see the kingdom of God must first begin their spiritual journey now, in the spiritual dimension that is entered into by faith, the very substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Seek God with all your heart, and hold onto those times when the effect of His presence is so strong and undeniable that your faith soars like an eagle riding a strong wind! Pursue that relationship with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and you will not just be born of the Spirit but you will grow in ways you never realized were possible!