Wonderful Moments
Scripture Reading — John 16:16-24
When her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy …
John 16:21
Pause to reflect on the great moments of your life. If you are a parent, you know the joy of birth is at the top of your list. Jesus was right: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain … but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” Your own birth likely brought great joy to many people. Focus on the joy of your birth. May God give you great joy in life—beginning with your birthday celebration. May you have many more!
Jesus talked about the radical transformation of rebirth that brings sinners into the kingdom of God. He said, “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born again” (John 3:3). And God celebrates the rebirth of each Christian believer: “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). God and his angels have a joyous birthday celebration every time someone is born again.
If you are born again, think of the joy it brought to God and his angels. If you are not yet a disciple of Jesus Christ, I invite you to trust in Jesus now. Imagine the joy there will be in heaven with your rebirth. It brings joy to our heavenly Father, who made you, and it is the best thing that will ever happen to you. Believe! Live! Rejoice!
Lord, I am a sinner who must be born again. Do whatever it takes, dear God, so you can rejoice in my salvation and I can rejoice in your love. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Jack Gray
Jack Gray recently retired after forty years as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. During that time he served seven churches from coast to coast in the United States. He and his wife, Wanda, have four sons and three grandchildren. They also have ministered to 44 foster children. This month’s devotions are inspired by his reflections on time at this transition in his life.
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