The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone
who is born of the Spirit. (v. 8)
MANY A CONFLICT, MANY A DOUBT
Nicodemus, a Jewish leader
and teacher of the law, looked for signs in order to believe in Jesus.
His well-known question, "How can anyone be born after growing old?"
indicates a lack of understanding and faith. Jesus answers, "The wind
blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not
know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who
is born of the Spirit." Without fully understanding God’s actions in
our lives, we can believe and trust in God.
One of the most often quoted and memorized verses in scripture
is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." Martin
Luther called this the Gospel in miniature, because it truly captures the
meaning and purpose of Christ’s life among us. Because of God’s love for
humanity, Jesus lived to proclaim that love and died to fulfill that love for
us.
In our 21st century culture, we may believe we can
find the answer to any question. Through scientific evidence and technology, we
can discover the cause and effect of many things that were a mystery to
Nicodemus. Indeed, we may know "where the wind comes from and where it goes,"
thanks to meteorology. Nevertheless, our lives can still be plagued with
conflict and doubt because of poor choices, relationships gone awry or illnesses
that doctors cannot cure. But we can remember that in our baptism, God has given
each of us what we truly need, forgiveness of our sins and hope for our daily
lives and for life everlasting.
O Lamb of God, I come to you just as I am, sometimes
doubtful, sometimes confused. Help me to always remember that in spite
of all my weaknesses, your blood shed for me is all that I need.
Marlene Hallstrom
Associate in Ministry
