Daily Devotional for February 15

 

February 15                                                      John 2:23-3:15

                "That which is born of the flesh is flesh
                    and that which is born of the Spirit
                                        is spirit."

In teaching Nicodemus about new birth, Jesus begins to open
the truth of spiritual things. Like Nicodemus, we find spiritual
teaching difficult to understand; but when we receive the Spirit
of God, suddenly things of the Spirit make sense.

Spiritual knowledge comes to a person when the Spirit reveals
the truth. If we are to understand spiritual things we must first
become open to them. We often try to analyze and compre-
hend spiritual truths as if they were rational and measurable
facts. Thinking we can grasp the Spirit through analysis, we
miss the truth, for we grasp the truth only when we are grasped
by the Spirit. It is the Spirit that imparts understanding.

To me, the quest for spiritual truth is like this. First, I begin
by seeking the presence of God. I want to be near God. I ask
God for God's Spirit to be near me, to guide me into all truth.
Then I study the Scriptures. I read expectantly, with the hope
that God may speak to me of a deeper truth, and that God's
will may become known. In the experience of understanding
and new insight, I gain evidence of the Spirit's presence. I trust
in faith that the Spirit is present, because spiritual truth is being
revealed.

This quest for truth leads one beyond the limitations of the
flesh into a new world of wonder, born of the Spirit. Suddenly,
the human soul seems to access knowledge and understanding
not gained by traditional ways of study and learning. With
spiritual knowledge, ordinary events take on a new meaning.
We see with a clearer vision. Jesus asks Nicodemus to let God
give him this new birth in the Spirit. Suddenly I hear Jesus
asking me to receive this new birth as well.

           Jesus, let your Spirit lead me into all truth.
   I have been looking on my own, without allowing the
                   Spirit to lead. I am lost. Lead me.

​

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.198