The wind of God’s Spirit, the impact of our demonstrated love
By Dean Collins
My friend and mentor, Jimmy Collins, recently posted an essay in which he quoted his doctor and friend who asked him if he knew the biggest obstacle to learning. Just a few weeks ago I had this very same conversation with Jimmy. I called him for advice as I do from time to time, and he posed the same question to me.
When he told me that knowing was the barrier to learning, he then coached me to consider that my not knowing how to solve a particular problem was a big advantage for me. I had lots I could learn, and I probably wouldn’t let my solution come from historic industry practices and ideas that likely couldn’t solve this particular problem.
Knowing but not learning
I think this might have been part of the problem Nicodemus had with Jesus when he came to Jesus under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and knew the teachings of the Old Testament thoroughly. And he was active in the practice of the Law. He knew the scriptures. He sensed Jesus was unique. He saw evidence or signs of things he did that others could not do. Something about Jesus was very different than anything Nicodemus saw or heard when he was at the temple or synagogue with his peers. The words and ways of Jesus were fresh. But what Nicodemus knew was keeping him from seeing and learning what Jesus was saying and offering.
Nicodemus was convinced that Jesus was a teacher who came from God. But Jesus was more than just a teacher with unusual insights. Nicodemus saw the effect Jesus had on people. Nicodemus was experiencing the Spirit of God but did not understand it.
Seeing but not controlling
As the conversation opened, Nicodemus called Jesus Rabbi, teacher. Jesus responded by telling Nicodemus that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. But this made no sense to Nicodemus. He challenged Jesus with, “How is it possible to be born again?” He knew that was physically impossible.
Jesus pushed deeper, telling Nicodemus that one must be born of water and the Spirit or he could not see the kingdom of God. “The wind blows where it wishes,” Jesus said, seeing that Nicodemus was still confused. “You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
We also know this to be true of wind. Storms do what storms do, and we see the devastation after the wind has blown. But we cannot control or perfectly predict it.
Similarly, we have no way of seeing when and where God’s pneuma (Spirit) will blow. We know from scripture that God desires that all come to him. Sometimes his Spirit blows intensely and sometimes gently with a still, small voice. We cannot predict when or why God chooses which way his Spirit will blow or when and how it will be received. But we do see the impact of God’s Spirit in the lives of others when they have surrendered and embraced the love and grace of Jesus. Once we experience the transformational grace of God, our lives are different. Our behavior is different. Our ambitions and desires begin to align with God’s.
Demonstrating but not convincing
We cannot force another to see or believe Jesus is the Son of God. But what if our job isn’t to convince them? What if we are simply to let the Holy Spirit within us use us to demonstrate amazing grace and generous love and mercy to them and around them? As the hands and feet of Jesus, we must go where he leads us and do what he prompts, even when we do not understand. Our surrender may be the breeze that Jesus uses today in the life of another who is prompted to ask questions just like Nicodemus asked of Jesus.
We must get comfortable that we will often not be able to explain God to others. It actually isn't our job. Our role is to love others. The sign that nonbelievers see will be how we love, not what we argue for or against. In this same Gospel, Jesus says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
When we love others God’s grace and mercy is revealed. The recipients may or may not surrender to God’s love the first time or the tenth time. We have no control over when, why, and how they choose to respond. Our discipleship is in the loving. God’s Spirit brings conviction and ultimately transformation.
May the wind of God’s Spirit flowing through us create cracks in the walls of resistance of others so that new life can appear. As JJ Heller so movingly sings, “May my heart be an open door to my neighbor.”
The wind of God’s Spirit blows with every loving act we share.
Your time with God’s Word
John 3:1-15 ESV
Photo by Raychel Sanner at Pexels.com.
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