John 3:7-8 Do not be amazed that I said to you, “You must be born again.” 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.
“You must be born again by the Spirit.” The word translated wind in verse 7 is the same word translated spirit in verse 6. The analogy is clear. One cannot control the wind or the Spirit of God. Like the wind, the Spirit of God moves as it wishes and where it wishes. You don’t know where either has come from nor where it is going. You only detect where it is at the moment—where you are.
I think what Jesus was saying to Nicodemus would have been very troubling. It meant that with all of his learning, social status, and achievements, without the detectable move of the Spirit, giving him new life from God, he was dead and not in the kingdom of God. I guess that Nicodemus was used to being in control of things, and Jesus’ authority with which He spoke and security certainly would have been upsetting. Jesus’ statement should evoke a similar amazement to those who rely on their righteousness or goodness.
Flesh goodness is just as impotent and condemned as flesh badness or weakness. Whatever is born of flesh is still flesh, regardless of any perceived benefit or service. That’s why trying to love and serve God and others without Jesus is an exercise in futility. Love, God’s love, only makes an impact where the Spirit of God, the wind of the Spirit, is blowing. It is evidence that the kingdom of God is present, and those through whom the wind is blowing have been born again.
We should not be amazed at this reality, according to Jesus. It is the way the kingdom of God is manifested. Have you been born again? I hope so. You can know that you have been because you can hear the sound of the Spirit blowing through your life. You’ll love God’s word, love His people, and love for God to be glorified in your life. May the wind of the Spirit carry you today.
I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
