God's Birth Plan - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 13
God’s Birth Plan
By Emma Danzey
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’” - John 3:3
Jesus Had a Plan
As I prepared to give birth a few months out, I created what women today call, “A birth plan.” The funny thing is that these should really be called the “My dream delivery plan” or “My ideal delivery that probably will never happen plan.” Don’t get me wrong, it is super helpful to have goals and know what you would like ahead of time, but the only birth plan that is 100% accurate is God’s birth plan.
In John 3:3, John shares that Jesus laid out a perfect birth plan for people to encounter. Jesus Himself says, “Truly, truly.” This is like saying today, “I am absolutely sure” or “I am 100% confident when I tell you…” Jesus, Himself, told of this plan for new birth. He knew He was the one to come and reconcile the people of the world to God.
We have all sinned and fallen short of His glory. We are all in need of forgiveness. We can only offer filthy rags, but Jesus came and lived the life we could not. He was wholly God and fully man. He never sinned, always did the right thing, had pure thoughts, and never had a flaw in His heart. However, God loved us so much that He sent His only Son (God in the flesh), Jesus, to come and give us a second chance at life. Birth brings forth new life. To have a second birth is to be given a second chance at life. Jesus gives us a second opportunity at life with the Creator, Father. We have been given this gift of grace and mercy.
We Must Be Born Again
Just like a baby needs to be delivered into this world, Jesus spiritually delivered us to new life and a relationship with God. When a baby is born into the world, they are given a birth certificate that identifies them with the last name of their father. He is his son. When we accept Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, our names are written in the Book of life, and we become children of God. Not everyone is a child of God in the world. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Jesus gives us the right to become children of God. He makes a way. He gives us new life. His birth plan is perfect. When we were still sinners, He came for us. When we chose our own sinful ways instead of obeying God, He did not leave us without hope. He always had a plan, one that would never fail. He knew He was going to redeem the lost. He knew the moment Adam and Eve sinned He was going to make a way. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” To receive this new life and become a new creation, we must believe in Jesus. He brings us to the Father. Now, we have forgiveness and new life, the confidence of heaven, and the gift of the Holy Spirit within us. We no longer have the life out of our sinful nature but can now live each day Spirit-filled and in the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit.
Maybe my plan or other women’s birth plans did not pan out the way in which we thought. The unpredictable moments can cause a vast number of anxieties. However, we can be fully confident that He who promised is faithful. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are born again.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Have you placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior? If so, how does Jesus’ plan of redemption give you hope and confidence today despite your sins? How are you being made new? If not, what stops you from accepting His sacrifice on your behalf today? He has set us free indeed.
Further Reading:
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Diego Cerro Jimenez
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
The process of success is not hidden. It is on display for anyone to see. However, it is a daily grind that requires a great deal of work that is tedious and often uncomfortable. Successful people simply do the work. They embrace the grind and everything that comes with it. Ultimately, successful people understand this truth - Hope doesn’t produce change. Habits do! Everyone has the desire, but many lack the necessary discipline! That’s why today on The Built Different Podcast we have a very special guest who understands the importance of discipline and habits at a very high level. Don’t just focus on changing the thoughts in your head and the habits in your life, but also allow God to transform your heart from the inside out. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Built Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube so you never miss an episode!
