Sermon On Rebirth

Eleanor Roosevelt, the former first lady of the United States once remarked: “Today is the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

One of the pertinent definitions of Rebirth is stated as a period of new life, growth, or activity. It can include a revival of one's inner self. Some people have the resourcefulness to take a step back from everyday life, sit, ponder and possibly wonder if they have already experienced the best in life or what the future may hold for them. Have they missed opportunities that may never be repeated? How will they feel in ten years when they will be that much older? Is there anything left in life to strive ahead for or have they accomplished all that they can? Is the time right to search for that long-awaited goal, or should we wait to see if something better comes our way?

These are in-depth pertinent questions that may require much thought and reflection before an answer can be reached. They sometimes arise in the midst of winter when people are at their lowest ebb. For some, the winter months may have such a deleterious effect, that life tends to become stagnant or hibernation in some form or another is sought. The lack of activity or progress that the winter months often encourage, is normal for many, except the most determined or resilient.

It takes much strength of character and fortitude to overcome. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 reminds us: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Rebirth, in certain respects, can be considered a semblance of transformation and this can sometimes incur a challenge or struggle. Perseverance may need to be maintained at a high level to achieve any form of recognizable accomplishment. However, overcoming struggles in life can be beneficial to the mindset, as every success increases faith in oneself, often at the blessing of God.

Fortitude and stamina may also result. James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Butterflies are a symbol of rebirth or a new life. When a newly formed butterfly attempts to emerge from its chrysalis, it is often not an easy task. Problems occur along the way. Not only physical strength is required to force its way out, but elements of pain may also be endured during the process.

The determination to survive is of paramount importance. If it does not succeed in emerging from its protection, then it will not survive to experience a new life. It could be considered a life-or-death situation. All efforts will have been futile. Romans 5:3-5 confirms: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Just as a caterpillar forms a cocoon and re-emerges with a new identity, so we have the opportunity in life to do a similar thing.

A newly formed butterfly displays a distinct change of image or appearance. It is a freshly formed beautiful creature with evolving strength in its wings, which allows it to soar into the air like the birds in the sky. A new life with scope and inevitably hope beckons.

If we consider forming a relationship with God commensurate to the rebirth of a butterfly, then we may create a similar entity in ourselves. Isaiah 43:18-19 confirms: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

There is no right or wrong time to consider a new relationship with God. His door is always open, His ears are ready to listen, His eyes are ready to see and accept us into the fold. It is when we feel that the time is right that matters. That will be the most productive and receptive time to start the new journey. The clock may continue to tick during the cycle of reformation and the emergence from the chrysalis as a butterfly for the caterpillar, but for us, there is no restriction on time, we can take as long as we need.