The Second Birth

The Second Birth: John 3:16

“But listen, Holy Spirit, near,

What He utters one deep night

To Nicodemus – ruler of

The Jews – in his eager plight:

“Rabbi, by Your different teachings

We determine You Are from God

By the signs that You may summon,

For none else is likewise shod.”

My Son hears within his voice

His heart’s unspoken question:

‘How might I receive Your Words;

The Life that is one’s bastion?’

And He answers him, My Spirit,

With the gentlest, kindest prod:

“Unless you be born again,

Surely, you shall not see God!”

“Unless!” O, My Spirit,

Tis a glorious, costly must!

A miracle from Heaven;

A Birth Above through Trust.

Continue, O Truthful Son,

For he doubts the Truth be clear;

Repeat the blessed, potent Words;

The command We hold so dear:”

“Unless you be Born Again

By the Spirit high exalted,

You will not see My Kingdom;

The Way to you be bolted.

The wind blows where it wishes –

Its pathway, mystery.

Likewise claims the Person

Born of Spirit; Born of Me!

How is it that this be, you say?

We testify what is seen each day –

I tell you of the Heavenly things;

List’ to what the Son of Man brings;

Only I to Heaven ascend –

How might you believe Me, friend?

I have divulged earthly things

Yet you do not comprehend.

How your knowledge take swift wings

If I disclose how the Heavenly sings?

Surely, I, the world shall lift;

As with Moses, people grieved

When the Serpents plagued the camp,

And families wept, bereaved.”

“Yes, My Son, so shall they raise

You up before the people’s craze,

And cries of “crucify” be borne

Upon the breeze that blows forlorn.

Describe, My Son, where this is due –

How the Miracle’s born in You:”

“For God so loved the world He gave

His only begotten Son to save,

That whosoever believes in Me

Will perish not, but live eternally!”