Wind – Breath and the Holy Spirit

The Glory of God is All Through the Bible

Wind – Breath and the Holy Spirit

As we began our Bible Study at Open Door Church, we were considering How the Holy Spirit often manifests Himself.  Our teacher had asked me to stand in for her and I present a digested lesson for today.

 

Wind and breath is frequently used in the Bible as a metaphor for some spiritual truth

I was reminded of an old Hymn:  “Let it breathe on me, Let it breathe on me.   Let the breath of God now breathe on me;” 

God’s breath was evident in spoken words during the creation, and in the wind as it blew over the earth.  And when God created Adam in Genesis 2:7 “-  - He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”

We are reminded that scripture IS God’s breath, 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Symbols of the Holy Spirit » Wind » Reviving

The Prophet Ezekiel was told (37:9-10)  Prophesy to the breath and to say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life."  So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.  

Symbols of the Holy Spirit » Wind » Independent

Jesus was explaining to Nichodemus about being Born Again; John 3:8  "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."  

Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection (John 20:19-23)  And he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  This was their Born Again experience.  Jesus later told them to seek for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which was poured out in the Upper Room. 

Symbols of the Holy Spirit » Wind » Powerful

On the day of Pentecost, (Acts 2:2) There was a loud sound as wind, and tongues of fire appeared.  “And suddenly there came from heaven a noise (sound) like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”  

Paul issued a warning telling the believers to mature and stay with the Word of God and its truth.

 (Ephesians 4:14)   As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;   

When God shows up although we do not see the Holy Spirit,  there are manifestations that can be seen. 

Old Testament:  Experiencing the Glory of God and what often happened.

Balaam was acting in disobedience and God was about to slay him, but his donkey saw the angel and stopped.  Balaam struck his animal and was surprised when the donkey spoke to him.  Numbers 22:31  Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.”

The Holy Spirit caused prostrate ministers to fall down and also to stand up.2 Chronicles 5:14 (KJV)  So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.

Ezekiel 2:2 As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me.

Ezekiel; 3:12  Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me, “Blessed by the glory of the Lord in His Place.”

Ezekiel  3:23-24  So I arose and went out into the plain, and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, in His glory; and I fell on my face.   - - The Spirit then entered me and made me stand on my feet. 

Daniel 8:18  Now while he was talking with me, I sank into a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me and made me stand upright. 

In the New Testament there was recorded various manifestations of God and His Glory.

Matthew 17:6-8 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 

Here we have some non-believers and their reaction to the glory of God (Matthew 28:4)  And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 

When a person speaks, their breath goes forth.  Here we have the breath and words of Jesus pushing these soldiers to the ground.  John 18:6  Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Saul who later became Paul saw a great light and the glory of God caused him to fall on the ground. (Acts 9:4-8)  Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”  Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting

John records his vision of Jesus in the book of Revelation 1:16-18  :”His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.

Many Revivals in History tell of those who had similar experiences and would often lay on the floor for hours while God spoke with them.  Charles Finney, Charles Price, Maria B. Woodworth-Etter, and the Asuza Street Revival, were only a few and there were many more.   

When the presence of God is so real and thick, there are often demonstrations that many are quick to criticize.  We must be careful with our judgment; NOT to GRIEVE the HOLY SPIRIT.  Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:19  QUENCE NOT the Holy Spirit. 

We have a word of caution to you as you read about the different displays of emotions and manifestations. First, DO NOT seek the extraordinary signs.  Seek Jesus and HIM only.

SO WHAT TO DO IF - - -You are crying out to God for more of Jesus and you find yourself falling to the floor in His presence?  - -

Just do this:  Rest and don’t be quick to get up.  Ask Jesus what He desires to tell you.  Listen and remember what He is saying.  He may point out some things in your life that need changing.  Be quick to repent and obey. 

After awhile, get up and be sure to walk uprightly as you continue to abide in His presence. !!