The day the church was born, on Pentecost, there was the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The term used for “wind” is the same for “breath” or “spirit.”
Another way to say the Holy Spirit is to say “the Godly breath.” In the Old Testament, the same concept was closer to breath than a spirit or ghost.
We mean that we know something is real and has affected us, though we cannot see it. Whether you call it a ghost, a spirit, the wind or the breath of God, the term has an element of faith. George Washington called this mysterious force the invisible hand of providence.
Some may think of an all-seeing eye. These thoughts lend toward conspiracy theories and all-powerful governing bodies that rule the world. But, there is a reason that people from all over the world believe there is a mind behind everything.
The breath of God is found on the first page in the second verse. “The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” God was emotionally pressing over the seas of nothingness, desiring to bring something incredible to bear.
God created light and separated land from sea and sky. He was particularly amazed, though, when He created life. The writer of Genesis tells the story twice because of its power. The creator fashions a body from dead dust and then breath. He breathes upon the mouth of a pile of dirt, and the dirt inhales. Life begins.
The wind is influential many more times in the Old Testament. We are told in Psalms that life begins from the breath. Judges tell us that the spirit empowered Othniel, Gideon and Samson. The wind split the Red Sea and drove ravens to the people of Israel.
Isaiah speaks of spirits who would rest on the Messiah. Ezekiel was told that the spirit of God would write His commands on our hearts, and the army in the valley of dead, dry bones wouldn’t be alive until He prophesied for breath to enter them.
Luke paints pictures of the Spirit’s touch on Mary and Elizabeth. John the Baptist said, “I baptize in water, but the lamb will baptize in the Spirit of God.” Jesus received the Spirit when baptized in the Jordan River. Jesus wanted every one of His followers to receive the wind, and in John chapter 20, He instructs His disciples to breathe in the breath of God.
The Holy Spirit, often symbolized as an unseen wind, is the source of all power, truth and love. His influence can soften your heart, strengthen your soul and enlighten your mind like no other. Breathing in the presence of the almighty Savior is a necessity for all of us.
Our churches, too, need the refreshing wind of His Spirit to invigorate our people, enabling us to bring His light into our communities. The same wind that initiated all creation can rejuvenate your soul today, as we await the trumpet’s call carried on the breath of God.
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