Ruach

Have you ever been caught outside in a strong storm; the wind howling, trees bending, rain driving sideways? In moments like that, you feel the power of something you can’t control. You can’t stop the wind; all you can do is hold on and let it move around you.

And then there are gentler moments: sitting outside on a still evening when a light breeze brushes against your skin. The same wind that can uproot trees can also refresh and calm.

You can feel the wind.
You can hear it.
You can see its effects.
But you can’t tell exactly where it comes from or where it’s going.

That’s what Jesus told Nicodemus: “The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” The Spirit, like the wind, is real and powerful but beyond our control. You can sense His movement, see the change He brings, but you can’t fully explain it.

The Hebrew word for “Spirit” is Ruach, the same word for breath or wind. In Genesis 1, God’s Ruach hovered over the waters before creation began. Wherever God’s Spirit moves, new life begins.

We see it again in Acts 2, when a mighty wind fills the room and the Spirit comes upon Jesus’ followers. People from different nations suddenly understand one another. Barriers fall. Community forms. The Spirit unites what once was divided.

The wind of God still blows today. Sometimes He comes with a rush of power; sometimes with a quiet whisper of peace. Either way, He brings life.

Reflection Questions

• What do Jesus' words in John 3:8 mean?
• Where have you sensed the Spirit moving in your life?
• How might God’s Spirit want to move through you today?

Prayer

Lord, what You do is often mysterious to me. But when Your Spirit moves, redemption happens. Lord, move in me and give me eyes to see what You are doing. I want to worship You for who You are and for the wonderful work You are doing in people. Amen.

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