Lessons from the Wind
When I’m planning a walk, I check the thermometer, then scan the trees outside for some indication of the strength of the wind. If it’s a hot day, a breeze will make it tolerable. But during a cold snap a stiff wind will make the wind chill unbearable.
Most of us take the wind for granted. Even though meteorologists include wind speed in their forecasts it doesn’t make much impact, unless they warn of damaging winds. Usually, we’re more interested in whether the day will be sunny or overcast, rainy or foggy, warm or cold. And yet it’s the wind that evaporates the water to become rain and snow. The wind brings clouds that block out the sun and it’s the wind that drives the clouds away. Without wind fog shuts down airports and snarls traffic.
The way we often take the Holy Spirit for granted resembles how we overlook the importance of the wind. Without the work of the Spirit, however, we cannot become Christians. One night a Pharisee named, Nicodemus, came to Jesus by night to escape the notice of his fellow religionists. When Jesus informed him of his need to be born again by the Spirit, he was astonished. “How can a man be born when he is old?”[1] he asked. Jesus replied, “Flesh gives birth to flesh [the first birth], but the Spirit gives birth to spirit [spiritual rebirth]. . . . You must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[2]
The work of the Spirit is as mysterious and invisible as the wind. The only way I can tell if the wind is blowing is by looking out my window to see if tree branches are moving. And we can only tell that the Spirit has been at work by looking around for evidences of his influence. Have unbelievers come to faith? Then Holy Spirit has been at work. Jesus asserted to Nicodemus. “Whoever believes in him [Christ] shall not perish but have eternal life.”[3]
Have people who were previously careless about sin been convicted of their need of salvation? Then the Spirit has been blowing through their hearts. “When he [the Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement.”[4]
Have people who were agnostics, atheists or just indifferent begun to declare that God is their Father? Then the Spirit has been moving. “By him [the Spirit] we cry, ‘Abba’ Father.”[5]
Have those who were ignorant of the Bible, or even antagonistic to the Scriptures, begun to love and understand God’s Word? Then we can be sure that the great interpreter of Scripture has been giving them insight. “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”[6]
Do you see changes for good in those who once were blasphemous and immoral and dishonest and selfish? Then we know that the Holy Spirit has begun to produce the good fruit of righteousness in them. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”[7]
Have insecure, anxious and doubtful people become confident of God’s love and their own salvation? Ah, then, the Spirit of adoption has been whispering in their hearts. “You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. . . . The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”[8]
Life on earth without the presence of the wind is unthinkable: spiritual life without the influence of the Holy Spirit is unimaginable. “When the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
Blessed Holy Spirit I’m so very thankful for your influences on my life. Convicting me of rebellion and sin. Moving me to faith in Jesus Christ. Delivering me from bondage to evil habits and wooing me back into the forgiving arms of Jesus when I fall. Opening the Scripture to my understanding and delight. Assuring me that I am a child of the Father. Leading me into fellowship with other believers. Producing in me qualities that are contrary to my fallen nature. Like every other believer, gifting me for some kingdom ministry. Giving me hope when I despair and strength when I’m tempted.
Spirit of the Living God how manifold is your benevolence! Forgive me when I take you for granted. Remind me every day of your quiet presence. Accept my worship and thanksgiving.
(Read Rom. 8:1-17)
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[1] John 3:4
[2] John 3:6,8
[3] John 3:16
[4] John 16:8
[5] Rom. 8:15
[6] John 16:13
[7] Gal. 5:22,23
[8] Rom. 8:15,16
