Change and Tension (Tuesday, Easter 2, 2021)

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Every positive transformation or change does not happen without some tension. Sometimes, struggles and pains must be endured before the “old” can give way for the “new”; before something new can emerge from the old.


When we use the above to analyze the kind of group of believers written about in Acts 4:32-37, we see a united force that was nothing but a disorganized group of people before the suffering and crucifixion of their master. A certain kind of metamorphosis took place which of course must have come through some tension or struggle: fear, crucifixion and death of their master, struggle with belief and unbelief in the resurrection reality, suspicion, mistrust, persecution and so on.


In John 3:7-15, Jesus tried to deepen what He meant when He told Nicodemus that one must be born from above in order to enter the kingdom of God. The process of birth also involves some tension: there must be a struggle; pains must be endured in the process. If this is how it is in its physical sense, then to be “born from above” must be much more complex and serious.


Making reference to Himself, Jesus said to Nicodemus that “no one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven. The Son of Man must be lifted up just as Moses lifted up the serpent so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him”. From the above statement, we can learn that for one to be “born above”, he or she must be open to change; and this change cannot happen without humility (condescension). The person must be ready to initiate some movement, shed off the old self (the old habits) and must be ready to endure some suffering and pain.


Focusing on the beauty of the end of such a "painful" process of change will help one to endure the process till the end. The GAINS OF ETERNITY are only enjoyed by those who endured the PAINS OF TIME. This can only be understood by those led by the SPIRIT.


Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me remain open to the Spirit as I yearn for a better and lasting transformation, Amen!


Have a blessed day!



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