Born of the Spirit

Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the wind, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5, Alternate translation).

I can’t say for certain, but I’m kind of thinking now that this is what Jesus was saying.

In both the Old Testament and New, “wind”, “breath”, and “Spirit” are all translated from the same Hebrew and Greek words.

So I think it’s possible Jesus was using “wind” and “water” in verse 5 as metaphors for the same thing: The Holy Spirit.

In short, “Unless someone is born of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

And in fact, Jesus does shorten things to “born of the Spirit” twice in verses 6 and 8.

But I was thinking today about why wind and water are metaphors for the Spirit.

In the Old Testament, you see water used for cleansing, for making dry, arid land fruitful, and for bringing life. (Isaiah 44:3-4, Ezekiel 36:25, 47:8-9)

You also see the wind coming and breathing life into people. (Ezekiel 37:9-10)

And you see God’s “breath” dwelling in his people, his “wind” causing people to follow his ways. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

And so today, I was praying in this way.

Holy Spirit, breathe your life into me. I have no life in me apart from you.

Wash me clean of all my sins and inpurities. Water the dry, arid land in me and make me fruitful. And let your rivers of living water pour out from me giving life to everyone I touch.

You go where you please. Take me along with you. Show me where you’re going. Show me your ways. I don’t know where you’re leading me, but lead on.