Understanding the Spirit
The
“Red-Letter Words” of Jesus
Day
Twenty-Eight
“Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:7, 8 (NKJV)
What was true in Nicodemus’ time isn’t true today. Advancements in meteorology have helped us to know from where the wind comes and where it goes. Hurricanes can now be forewarned thanks to Doppler Radar and satellite imagining. Understanding Low- and High-Pressure Systems help predict the direction of the wind and its velocity
Nicodemus didn’t have the luxury of modern science to help him predict wind or weather. Even with all the sophisticated meteorological equipment we have today, science still can’t control the direction of the wind. Just like in Nicodemus’ time, the wind blows where it wishes.
So does the Spirit of God. We can recognize the effects of the Holy Spirit; however, we can’t control Him any more than we can control the wind.
Jesus wanted Nicodemus to know that, although he couldn’t control the Spirit of God, he could discern the things of God by being born again. The truths Jesus shared with him fell on confused ears since he hadn’t experienced spiritual rebirth yet.
Look at Nicodemus’ response in verse nine, “How can these things be?” He tried to see spiritual truths through carnal eyes. As a footnote, the above scripture was a play on words. The word “Spirit” means “breath” or “wind.” Nicodemus simply didn’t get it because he was spiritually dead.
Being born again helps us discern godly things. Even then, we can’t always understand the purpose of the Spirit’s comings and goings, but we can see the effects of it. We can give personal testimony how the Holy Spirit impacts our lives as He lives in us.
Let’s face it, we can’t control the wind. We can’t control the Spirit of God either. But we can become intimately acquainted with Him. It begins with being born again.
http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/homiletics/john/3.htm
http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3.htm
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