The Blowing of the Wind

This week we’ve all been reminded that, in spite of the fact there are so many things we are able to control, the wind is not one of them. In fact, there is almost nothing we can do about the wind.  Thus, there has been no way for the firefighters and other first responders to stop the blowing of the Santa Ana winds that were responsible for spreading the terribly destructive fire that hit Los Angeles this past week. 

For sure, as some have said, the fire that brought so much destruction in its wake was seemingly apocalyptic. The pictures we’ve seen here on the east coast I’m sure are nothing compared to the reality of what has taken place. If anything, the before and after pictures of the communities that have been wiped out are quite telling. The pictures of the wind-whipped flames are horrendous, if not frightening. If only, there was some way that we could have stopped the wind. But there was not and is not. 

Jesus said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” (John 3:8 – NIV) And that is true. Even the most predictable winds can quickly become unpredictable. Wind is a powerful force that seems to have a mind of its own. There is so much about the wind that is unknowable and uncontrollable. 

Jesus then adds to those words, “So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  In fact, the word for “Spirit” can also be translated as “wind.” What is Jesus saying? Just as the wind cannot be fully understood by our human minds nor controlled by our human touch, so it is with the Spirit of God. The Spirit is beyond our understanding and control. Yet, we readily feel the effects of the Spirit when he blows into our lives. After all, it is only by the Spirit of God that we experience true spiritual life—what Jesus calls being “born again” or “born from above.” (John 3:3) 

We might not understand or be able to control God’s Spirit, but we can experience his power—not to destroy but to bring new life! Thus, my prayer is that each of us would experience the blowing of God’s Spirit into our lives such that his power is made very evident within us. I trust that you know what it means to be “born again” by means of the wind of God blowing into your life. 

And, let’s not forget to pray for the people and communities affected by the terrible fires this past week. 

Have a good day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris