“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 3:8
We know we have been born of God when the Holy Spirit births new life in us. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, – John 1:12
Jesus compares the work of the Holy Spirit in new birth to the blowing of the wind. We cannot see the wind itself, but we know it is real because we hear it, feel it, and see the changes it brings. In the same way, the Spirit’s is invisible, yet the effects of His works in our lives are undeniable. Our hearts softened, faith awakened, repentance stirred, and love for God growing within us.
The word for wind and Spirit is the same Greek words. Nicodemus, a man well known in Scripture, would have understood the richness of this analogy. The Spirit of God, often symbolized as wind or breath, moves with life-giving power. In Ezekiel 37, God’s breath moves across dry bones and brings them to life. Jesus is showing Nicodemus that this same Spirit brings about the miracle of new birth. It is not something we accomplish in our flesh. As Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63).
The new birth is entirely the work of God by sending His Spirit into us. He moves freely, as He wills not according to our plans or control. Just as no one commands the wind, no one directs the Spirit of God. Our part is to yield. We are no longer our own. To be born of the Spirit means our lives belong to God, and we must allow Him to lead us.
Jesus adds, “you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” We who had been separated from the presence of God cannot recognize the Spirit. As Jesus teach us that“the world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). Those who are reborn by the Holy Spirit, know Him and we know that He comes from God and is sent to empower and regenerate us.
To be reborn by the Spirit means everything becomes new. We receive new life, our broken relationship with the Father is restored, and we are given a new purpose. This is the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. Though we cannot see Him with our eyes, His work in us is certain and undeniable. His desire to have fellowship with us is continually made manifest.
Today! Invite the Holy Spirit into your life. Yield to His leading. And let God breathe new life into you.
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