1 Peter 1:22-23 – Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. (NKJV)

Not long ago, a friend and I were discussing the term "born again". I mentioned how the image presented in today's Scripture has helped me personally to define this experience. I picture the Word of God as a seed, which by the power of the Holy Spirit is implanted in human hearts and germinates there, where it has the potential to grow and be nourished. Thus, a new life is born.

My friend, who is also a writer, enjoyed hearing my illustration of how the rebirth takes place. Yet, from my perspective, most things in the natural also have a supernatural counterpart. Jesus used a similar idea when He explained the parable of the sower in Luke 8:11-15. In this passage, the Lord used an earthly teaching to explain heavenly things. Kernels may fall along the path, on rocks, among thorns, or on good soil. However, only the good soil can produce a crop — that is, those who persevere in faith.

The same seed is described as "incorruptible"; therefore, it has the power to impart eternal life. Although some translations use the term "imperishable", I am partial to "incorruptible" since it also denotes the idea of holy living. But before newborn babes in Christ can live a pure life, they need to be fed the Word of God — first the milk of the Word, then solid food. This means that we, as Christians, must be willing to spend time studying the Scriptures so that we can grow spiritually. In that way, the Holy Spirit will enable us to apply God's truth to our lives.

So the question is: what are we doing to develop our spiritual nature? Consider these incorruptible words of Jesus:

John 6:63 – The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life. (NIV)

Notice the close connection between words, Spirit, and life. These terms have been woven together throughout this entire devotional. In conclusion, receiving Christ's words will make us each a new creation. His Spirit will cause us to grow, producing an abundance of fruit. The power of His divine life working in us will make the impossible possible. Hence, we are born again into the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord, You have created life where no life is possible. We thank You that those who believe in Your name are born again. May Your salvation flourish in our lives by the authority of Your incorruptible Word. Fill us to overflowing with Your Spirit that together, we may produce a bountiful harvest worthy of Your majesty's kingdom. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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