Abnormally Born

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35–36, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Just prior to this passage, Matthew recounted instances where Jesus gave sight to the blind, cast out demons, cured disease, and raised the dead. These were not just isolated instances. He “went through all the towns and villages…. healing every disease and sickness.” In his Gospel, John tells us that “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25, NIV 1984). “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, NIV 1984).

But most remarkable of all that was written is “the good news of the Kingdom,” succinctly summarized by Paul. “What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–8, NIV 1984).

And just like that, the “sheep [were no longer] without a shepherd.” Except, it wasn’t just like that. It was because “He had compassion on [us.]” And all who believe are “abnormally born.” “Jesus [says], ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water [normally] and the Spirit [abnormally]. Flesh gives birth to flesh [normally], but the Spirit gives birth to spirit [abnormally]. You should not be surprised at my saying; you must be born again.'” (John 3:5–7, NIV 1984).

None of which would be possible if He had not been “raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

My Advice – According to this Scripture. “My heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” (Psalm 16:9–10, NIV 1984). The only way that our souls can “rest secure” is to place our faith in God’s “Holy One.” It’s the “abnormal” thing to do.