On this second Sunday in Lent, the Gospel is taken from the third chapter of John. Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the night and asks a difficult question about being born again. Nicodemus asks if someone can be old then born again from the mother’s womb. Jesus explains to him that being born again requires a birth, not from the flesh, but from the spirit.
In his sermon, Pastor Eric suggests that, theologically, there are easy questions about God, as well as some really hard ones that we grapple with.
For instance, “Is God for me?” is a very personal question, and most of us can answer confidently, “Yes, of course He is!” But the question, “Is God for everyone?” is not answered so easily. This question gives us pause, especially when we think about our “favorite sinner”, as Pastor Eric states, or when we consider those who do not act or believe as we do. We know from the Scriptures that Jesus gave his attention to the marginalized, the poor, the outcasts, the “sinners”. Jesus, through God, was “for everyone”.
If we are to live our lives in the spirit of Jesus, we need to believe that God is for everyone, and act towards everyone with mercy and love. Sometimes difficult…don’t you agree? It helps to be reminded that God is always with us, to show us the way. Especially when we are faced with those really hard questions.
To hear the Gospel and sermon, click the link below.