Born Again

"For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For all flesh is like grass, and its glory like the flower of the field. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord remains forever. Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation."
- 1 Peter 1:23-25, 2:2

There is unbelievable dignity on our lives. The metaphor of being "born again" has been overused and casually glossed over in Church culture to such an extent that we have lost touch with nearly all of its power. But hidden behind the veil of familiarity is a powerful window into reality.

In saying "yes" to the mercy of Jesus, He has caused us to be reborn of new seed. This isn't the latest twelve-step program, nor is it helpful hints for people who are a little "off-track." It is a new and different life. The "imperishable seed" speaks of nothing less than the very "sperm" of God Almighty - all the legitimacy and dignity and sanctity of life is present at your rebirth, as the very seed of the creator "conceives you" in the spirit. Right now, through the living and enduring word of God, I possess the DNA of God the Father inside of me. It is who I am at the most basic level. Being made of "God's genes" means that I have his features. This is stunning. One is able to look at me and say, "yes, he has Jesus' eyes." I look like my Father, not due to human effort, but because I was conceived of Divine Intent, knit together in my mother's womb.

The other thing about rebirth is that it levels the playing field. A seventy year old man is suddenly reduced to infant status. All the lessons learned from the world, all experience in the ways of the flesh, all the names and titles received from men - suddenly gone; stripped off like grave clothes. Naked and crying in the blinding light of day, like a newborn you find yourself in need of absolutely everything to be provided for you. The reason you "long for the pure milk of the word" is this: you have never eaten before. Your entire life has been spent feasting on imaginary food. The sustenance of eternity has yet to touch your tongue. The cry of a newborn is a cry for nutrients - for that which nourishes and satisfies and allows growth. So it is in the Spirit: after a life spent eating vanities and deceptions, the desperate heart cry of a believer is for that which is truly healthy; that which puts meat on your bones and builds up the Life of the Kingdom deep inside.

God, feed us on eternity. We come to you as those who have barely eaten real food. We need nutrients. We need the substance of your ways - the presence of purity. Give us your righteousness as bread that fills us. Let us see the imperishable dignity and the enduring destiny over our lives. The very Word of God has conceived us, and in your mercy you have written eternity on our hearts.