A picture of a pregnant woman signifies that a child is on the way. However, the details about the child, such as its gender, remain uncertain and open to speculation. We cannot accurately predict the personality of the unborn child. It is also important to note that celebrations are typically reserved for children who have been born, rather than those still in their mothers’ wombs. It is essential to investigate the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Several factors can impact a child before birth. The circumstances of the mother, whether she is living in poverty or wealth, can significantly influence the unborn child. Additionally, there are serious risks, such as the possibility of maternal death before birth or the pregnancy ending in miscarriage. Prioritizing the well-being of the pregnant mother is essential for the healthy development of the baby during pregnancy. This protection can only be achieved by focusing on the mother’s health and needs while leaving the rest to fate.
One of the essential passages in the Bible features a profound conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. In this discussion, Jesus spoke about the concept of being “born again,” although He did not elaborate on the processes similar to those that occur in a mother’s womb before a child is born. The Church, founded by Jesus, represents this motherly role. Jesus stated that “what is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). Just as a conceived child in the womb is often not celebrated, a person cannot fully celebrate being born of the Spirit while still living in the flesh.
Christianity is often misunderstood because many do not take the time to explore its origins before attempting to comprehend its outcomes. Just as a skyscraper designed by an architect may not appear convincing to some, Christianity entails various processes before revealing its ultimate structure. A strong foundation is essential, and a careful, deliberate construction process is necessary for a magnificent building to eventually emerge. The timeline for this development depends on the builder’s skill and diligence in meticulously following the steps outlined in the structural plan.
A developing fetus is not immediately visible as it grows in the womb, although the mother eagerly anticipates the arrival of a child. Similarly, a spiritually conceived person is not always observable to those around them. A child of God is conceived at the moment they receive the Holy Spirit, signifying the beginning of their spiritual existence. The physical conception of a child is marked by the joyful expectation of birth from those in their surroundings.
The moment of birth is a significant experience for the mother. However, when the child enters the world, it cries, reflecting a fear of the unknown. Meanwhile, the mother is surrounded by a joyful gathering celebrating the arrival of her newborn. This contrast highlights that, even in their fear, the baby is beginning to grasp the unpredictable nature of the world around them. Unfortunately, the celebratory mood surrounding the baby’s arrival is often short-lived, as the unpredictability of life soon sets in.
Life in the physical world is often laden with challenges. Individuals may perish before reaching adulthood, fall victim to war, or suffer from illness. Existence in this realm encompasses both joy and sorrow. Ultimately, everyone faces the inevitability of death and encounters turmoil as a common experience. While many may seem oblivious to this reality, a newborn child instinctively senses the uncertainties that lie ahead. The birth of a human frequently represents a moment of melancholy for humanity.
Celebrating life while facing physical challenges is both possible and commendable. However, recognizing the hope offered through spiritual salvation is essential. Many expressions of joy can be overshadowed by ignorance and hypocrisy. This is why wise individuals embrace the arrival of Jesus and His teachings. A newborn child has every reason to cry, but a person destined for God’s Kingdom lives a life characterized by ongoing joy, sustained by hope.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4 KJV).
At birth, a child’s cries are met with the deceptive and temporary comfort of the mother. The child may encounter false hopes and remain in turmoil throughout if Christ is not part of the equation. One example is the introduction to alcoholism, which represents a misleading attempt to access happiness. Everyone desires true happiness, but only the teachings of Jesus can provide genuine fulfillment. The harsh truth conveyed by these teachings is that while the process of being physically born is painful, leaving this life can also be painful.
An individual who has received ample guidance from Jesus embraces the relinquishment of their physical body, convinced of eternal life. This person understands that the extraordinary life awaiting them in God’s Kingdom is far more valuable than anything this life has to offer. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to believe that a happier existence lies beyond their current experiences. A key question for individuals today is how to effectively use their intellect to access progressive information. We live in a society where falsehoods are often accepted more readily than the truth.
In the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, the concept of being “born again” reflects the idea of conception before birth. For God’s children, the opportunity to truly enter His Kingdom occurs during their physical lives. A seed planted in the ground has three possible outcomes: it can decay and become part of the soil, sprout and thrive in suitable conditions, ultimately bearing fruit, or grow well and show signs of producing good fruit but fail to yield any results. This illustrates the significance of the gospel for those living in this world.
Jesus’ actions, culminating in the profound experience of the cross, were not in vain. However, the gospel does not suggest that Jesus expects everyone to respond positively to His call for repentance. This concept is illustrated in the parable of the sower found in Matthew 13, where the focus is on the impact of the gospel among those who have had the opportunity to respond positively. These individuals are the ones Jesus genuinely cares about. The farmer values the seeds he sows because they have the potential to sprout, grow, and bear fruit, rather than simply perishing in the ground or failing to produce.
The events of this world serve as a precursor to what individuals may encounter in the afterlife. The principle of reaping what one sows holds true in every situation when one is willing to listen to one’s conscience. A person who acts with goodness can anticipate positive outcomes, while someone who engages in wrongdoing can expect negative consequences. Just as there is a period between conception and a child’s birth, our current actions are indicators of what lies ahead. Listening to God’s communication through one’s conscience provides the only assurance of aligning with one’s Creator.
Although the world is confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges, hope resides in those who will soon be revealed as God’s children. Nothing surpasses nurturing those with potential answers to the world’s challenges. They will confirm a new birth that restores the true happiness this world deeply needs (Romans 8:22-23). Jesus spoke of being born again, which reality translates as God’s resurrected Children at His second coming.
The profound question is whether true believers will remain trapped in the cycle of mortal uncertainty or be “delivered” into God’s Kingdom.“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions that have led to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope in a simple conversational tone.
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