H2O (part 3 of 8)

H₂O

The Gospel of John has more symbolism than the other Gospels combined. John forcefully uses bread, light, and water – all elements necessary for human life – to teach us that Christ alone is at the core of our being. Without food, water, and light, then we are without Christ.

In several consecutive chapters of John, the use of water is powerful. The following paragraphs can be used a devotional meditations during Advent or, as illustrated, during Lent. They can be used to bookend a week of meditations with the first and last used as sermon material and the middle ones as material to be read during the week.

John 3: 3-5

Second Sunday of Lent

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

• In the middle of the night, in complete secrecy, at a pre-arranged time and place, Jesus met a leader of the Jewish faith. This was a learned man whom others sought out for answers to their questions. And he was asking Jesus, an amateur rabbi, for answers about the Kingdom of God.
• Jesus tells Nicodemus that finding God is about returning to basics, to seeking and finding God as if the world is completely new. It is about intertwining God’s earth and God’s Spirit so that you have a new DNA.
• Are you immersed in earthly water so you know what is happening in your community? Are you plunged into the depths of God’s Spirit so that you are using that power to change your community? Is God’s Spirit part of your DNA and everyone sees it? How?

Water is essential to our lives. Living water is essential to our souls.

Lead On!

Steve