It Is Your Choice
John 1:12-13
As I was reading the opening chapter in John's gospel, the contrast he makes in vv. 12-13 struck me with renewed force.
To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
When you were born the first time, you had no choice, no say in the matter; no one asked: "Would you like to be born?" Your parents made that decision for you. John says here that it is different the second time. God gives you a choice as to whether or not you will to be born again. He presents the opportunity, but it is not a decision He makes for you. He will not force anyone into His realm who will not go. It is your choice.
The idea of a second birth is not reincarnation, where you get to do this life over again in the hope that you will do a better job. You only get one shot. As the author of Hebrews writes, "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Heb 9:27).
The second birth is a metaphor of what happens when a person turns to God; but it is a good metaphor, because it illustrates the kind of change that decision involves.
- Your first birth brought you into a human family. For those who entered a loving home, it was a good experience. For those not so fortunate, it was less fulfilling.
- Your second birth brings into the family of God, who only has your best interests at heart. It makes you a child of someone who always acts in truth and grace; that is, He is good to His word and good to His people, which, at that point, includes you.
There is a saying that you can choose your friends, but you cannot pick your relatives. Well, God gives you the opportunity to pick your relatives. It is your choice.
You made a host of decisions today: what to wear, what to eat, which route to travel for work or school. Some of life's decisions are more significant than others: where to work, what to study, whom to marry. Of all the decisions you make, though, the one God presents here in John's gospel is the most important, because it has the most profound and far-reaching implications. It offers you the opportunity to start a new life, to become a member of God's family, most importantly, to know God Himself.
No matter what other things demand your attention at this season, do not let Christmas pass without facing or rejoicing in the opportunity God has placed before you.
It is your choice.To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
