You Must Be Born Again
Captain's Log: Table Time ~ Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 ~ Lauds
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
I read and asked some questions about this idea of being “born again,” which seemed natural. This was Nicodemus’ reaction as well. We noticed this was a continuation of the theme of Jesus speaking at a level that his audience was not perceiving. We established that Jesus was not speaking about a second physical birth. So what was he talking about? A few attempts. I specified, ‘We’re thinking about categories here… on the one hand we have a physical birth… which is not what Jesus is thinking about… so on the other hand we must have a…’ ‘Spiritual birth!’
What is required to see the kingdom of God is a spiritual rebirth. Or, to be born from above - to receive a new birth from the Father (who gives the right to become children of God). This is a birth that will come from the Spirit, the one who makes us alive to God.
Lewis then asked the essential question: ‘How do we receive a spiritual birth?’ We welcome this work of the Spirit in our hearts by faith - by placing our trust in Christ. Perhaps Nicodemus thought it was all about teaching. He does call Jesus “Rabbi,” for example. But something much more than teaching is needed. A new birth is needed from above. This is the only way anyone can see the kingdom of God.
We ran through questions 19 and 20 of the Catechism. We have done very well, but I now face the challenge of consolidating the first 20 questions. I suspect we will need to have a recitation/competition on the weekend for an extended time to review and lock them all in before we move on.
We said together our little catechism, Sin Crouching. Temptations come thick and fast in the mornings while people are still waking up and finding their orientation to God, the world, and each other. More little catechisms here.
But the highlight of this morning was Liam’s prayer. “Let’s pray,” I said. But before I could begin, Liam had already started.
“Our Father in heaven… Thank you for this nice food.
Thank you for this nice day we have.
Help us to learn at school…
Help me and kor kor (big brother) to… repent of our… wrath… Dada, when was our…” “Yesterday.” “Help us to repent of our wrath yesterday…
Jie Jie (big sister)! Heads [bowed], hands [together], eyes [closed]!
Help Jie Jie to repent of opening her eyes [while I was praying]
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.”
And off we went.
