Living in the Spirit
May 30, 2021
Scripture Reading:
John 3:1-17
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? –John 3:10-17
Having lived in Oklahoma most of my life, I have no problem understanding the phrase: The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. When the person reporting the weather here says the wind will be light today, they probably mean between 15 and 20 miles an hour. Known primarily for oil and gas, Oklahoma ranked third in the nation in electricity generation from wind in 2020. The Greek word, pneuma, translated wind in this scripture, can also mean spirit or breath*. Paul uses the adjective form pneumatikos more specifically to designate the spiritual. In so doing, he creates a metaphor for understanding the unpredictable nature of the Spirit. (I am glad I did not get the assignment to translate scripture but appreciate the work of those who did.)
Life is unpredictable. I have my rituals from day to day based on the “normal” flow of my life, and then suddenly, something happens, turning my plans upside-down. Such intrusions may be good or bad, nuisance or Major disasters, limited opportunities, or a significant job promotion. God is with us through it all. I am amazed at God’s desire to synchronize all the activities of God’s people to target them toward a Kingdom ruled by love. Even more stunning is God’s determination that I could be of help in making it happen. That is God’s vision and goal. When we think about that, we can understand the need for and importance of the one we call Spirit to weave us together in love.
Prayer: Lord, that you for the gift of the Spirit. Help us welcome the Spirits leading and give us the courage to follow them. Amen.
*https://biblehub.com/greek/4151.htm
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.