Born Again

John 3:3 – In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (NIV)

After I had finished a game of golf, I sat down on a bench next to a flower bed. Here, I observed a caterpillar as it stalked the leaves of a plant, munching them into oblivion.

I knew that one day, the caterpillar would form a cocoon, weaving its way into a complete enclosure. The days would pass, and the cocoon would become a chrysalis, which would dry and eventually start to split. From that enclosure would emerge a miracle. Movement from within would lead to the creation of something new. From that rather gruesome-looking caterpillar would emerge a butterfly, a completely changed creature. In the sunshine, its wings would unfurl, giving birth to a beautiful butterfly.

Our lives are spread before us, and we are given a choice which we can ill afford to ignore. For those of us who believe and come to know Jesus, we are born again, and one day, we will be dressed in rich robes, much like the butterfly.

Revelation 22:14 – Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (NIV)

There are also those who will choose to stay wrapped in a chrysalis-like form, stuck in a cocoon forever.

Job 27:18-19 – The house he builds is like a moth's cocoon, like a hut made by a watchman. He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, make us mindful of Who You are and the way You will for us to live. We know there is a hell, and it is real. We pray for those who doubt and remain wrapped in a state of mind, not understanding the torment they will face if they are not born again into obedience, so that they gain the right to the tree of life. We pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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