Rebirth through the Word

When Jesus predicted his death (John 12:24), he said, “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

The seed, by landing in the soil, experiences a rebirth by growing into a plant.  Likewise, we are to mirror the seed and grow and develop in faith and in love.  By sharing our life with others, we spread our love and the love of the Father.  We, too, need to produce a harvest for God’s kingdom and become fruitful.  As Jesus gave his disciples the commandment to “Love one another; as I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34), he established the brotherhood between all of us – to love and nurture as a means to spread his love.

(John 14:15-17) “If you love me, you will obey what I command.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

Perhaps you have experienced this, but I personally had never seen the Holy Spirit take hold over a person’s body so completely until my Grandpa Hoffman spoke at his 100th birthday celebration.  The occasion was held at Radcliffe’s Our Saviors Lutheran church.  Grandpa was asked to speak, and as he began, his speech became very forceful as he described his faith in the Lord.  It appeared to me that he was transfigured as he spoke his words came out of his mouth, but they were in some way larger than he could say.  It was a precious gift that we witnessed.  His words seemed to move everyone.  I will never forget that day.

Just as this experience of hearing my grandfather impacted me, I hope you have had a similar experience.  I know it was unforgettable for me and impacted my life.

During this Holy Week, Lord, let us ever be present to you and consider the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice.  Allow us to feel your Holy Spirit within us, and let us bear fruit for your kingdom, blossoming into the individuals you want us to become, forever spreading your undying love.  Amen.