Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

May 23, 2005

"Prevailing Winds"

By:

Evelyn Merriam

What would we do without the wind? Some places are harnessing it for use as a primary source of energy. Traditionally wind-powered mills kept the water pumped out of Holland 's reclaimed land. The America 's Cup Race depends on it. And we're all affected by the wind in our daily lives.

The weather moves across the country on the back of the wind as heated air rises and cool air rushes in to fill the void. Pollination and seed distribution work, in part, courtesy of the wind. Wind can be a cleansing agent. Remember when wash on a line dried faster in a stiff wind?

Whirligigs with their outlandish colors and oversized wings or limbs depend on the wind to amuse us with all play and no work. And how many variations of wind chimes have we seen? Their tones are such pleasant reminders of the suggestion of a slight summer breeze on a hot day.

Another wind-dependent object, the weathervane, sometimes takes a whimsical or significant shape. They have been plentiful in coastal and rural settings for centuries. Ninth century folklore notes that weathervanes became popular due to a Papal edict that a rooster, the emblem of St. Peter, should top every Christian church. Some are still seen today.

It's not surprising that the wind is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. After the flood, God made a wind blow over the land and the waters subsided. Noah and his family must have cherished the sound of wind for the rest of their lives! And think of Elisha who witnessed his mentor's departure to heaven. "As they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire parted the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." After that experience, Elisha would have always recalled a vivid picture whenever the wind blew.

Imagine how relieved the disciples were when Jesus came to them in the midst of a storm wildly whipping their boat. " And He went up into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were astonished exceedingly." (Mark 6: 51 ) Their memory of wind would point them to the Master. Jesus explained the wonder of spiritual rebirth to the religious leader, Nicodemus, by referring to the wind.

Just as we can't see it, but we do know its effects, so too when the Spirit of God works in the human soul and we are born again, we see the results of His moving. (John 3:8) Did the disciples remember not only their rescue at sea, but those somewhat mysterious words of Jesus to Nicodemus later-when they were gathered with other followers of Christ in the upper room-waiting and praying as He'd instructed them on the threshold of His ascension? The Holy Spirit was given to the church that day in a dramatic way that they'd recall and retell for the rest of their lives. The sound accompanying His coming was that of a mighty rushing wind!

What will you think of the next time the wind starts blowing? Have you been born again of the Spirit of God? Has the Holy Spirit surged into your heart, cleansing and refreshing you with the breath of God? He's willing and waiting for your prayer of invitation today.