We continue our conversation today about breathing. Jesus commanded us as branches to abide in Him, to rest in Him. But don’t just take a “nap” to get caught up. No, rest in Jesus to the point you walk in abundance and overflow.
Today we want to take a fresh look at Exodus 31:17b where it says, “God rested and was refreshed.” We have been focusing on the fact that one definition for the word refreshed is “to breathe.” Today we want to look at the second part of the definition for this word which is, “to be breathed upon.”
When we pause to breathe and reflect we receive great refreshing. In the midst of things like hard physical labor in the sun and running a marathon we are very grateful for a refreshing breeze – when the wind blows on us. How much sweeter then is it when we finish those activities, sit in the shade and experience a breeze is so refreshing.
Where is the first place where we see God breathing into us? In Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” What we were doing before He breathed into us? Nothing! John 15 says, “Apart from Him we can do nothing.”
In the baptism of Jesus we see Him submitted to the will of the Father. In that posture the Holy Spirit comes in the form of a dove rests on Him. For a dove to rest on us we have to be in a place of rest.
In John 20, after His resurrection, Jesus stands in the midst of the disciples and says, “Peace be with you.” Because they were freaked out He said it again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
Have you ever felt the breath of someone? When you do, it means you are really close to them. I believe Jesus came close to every one of the disciples and breathed on them so they could feel His breath. This speaks to an intimate level of connection just like John leaning on Jesus chest at the Last Supper.
Be ministry to others this week. Think about that. I didn’t say, “Do” ministry. I said “be” ministry. Ask God to empower you to “be” ministry to others. . .that you would breathe on them and impart life.
Breathe in Jesus this week. Be so close to Him He breathes on you. Then breathe out Jesus!
