Most of the mothers in the ward looked weary (no surprise there!), and the staff were brilliant. Assorted relatives came & went, in rapid succession. But the wonder of observing such fragile new born babies was the overwhelming experience for most of us.
Over the years, in talking to parents of new born babies, I have been struck by their sense of wonder and astonishment. They clearly sense that that have experienced a miracle. For some, it has been what they might describe as a religious experience.
And while we know so much more about the processes involved, somehow a merely reductionist view doesn't match our experience! We can sense the very presence of God in these precious moments.
Jesus used the language of birth and new birth to talk of the way we can experience the life of God in our own lives. 'Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3.6-7)
The word that is translated 'again' can also be translated as 'from above', which makes double sense of what Jesus is saying.
Our spiritual life can and must come from God himself, as his Holy Spirit works in us. Without him, we can never generate any real changes in our lives.
But God is willing to make us his children, and to grow in us the family likeness. 'But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.' (John 1.12-13)
I pray that we will all cooperate with what God is seeking to do in our lives. That way, He is glorified, others are blessed and we are changed.
Best wishes,
Richard
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