The Breath of Life

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
(Genesis 2:7)

"...and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life..."

As Believers, we know that the Lord God gave us life. He created man and shared His own breath - nishmat chayim (nish-maut chai-yeem) - "the breath of life" - with His child. This is a very tender account of our Father's love. Another Hebrew word for "breath of life" is ruach (roo-ach) meaning "Spirit". It was God's Spirit that gave man life, that joined us to the Father.

Do you remember why we were created?

God created us so that we could have fellowship with Him - relationship. In the beginning, God walked in the garden with Adam and Eve. He talked with them, He dwelt with them. They were extremely close.

But then sin entered in, separating a Holy God from His beloved children. Could the Lord God find another way to place His breath of life - His Spirit - into His children?

Yes, through His Son Jesus.

John 1:4 reads, "In Him (Jesus) was life and the life was the light of men."

Life - zoe (dzo-ay) refers not only to physical life, but also spiritual, eternal life. Through the Blood of Jesus we are made righteous before God - our sins are forgiven, washed away. Now a Holy God can dwell within us and we are given life everlasting.

Picture this. Can you imagine your Heavenly Father cradling your face in His hands? Because you asked Jesus to free you and forgive you of your sins, a Holy God can be joined with you. Your old man has died with Christ and now...NOW, your Father can embrace you. He longs to revive you, to make you a brand new creature. Holding your face, He breathes the breath of life into your nostrils. His Spirit enters into your heart and resides there. Like a newborn baby, you take your first nishmat chayim - breath of life.

No longer are you dead in sin. Behold you are a new creation. And the Spirit of God dwells within you.

God will always find a way to be with His children.

Praise You, Father! Thank You for not leaving us alone in our sin. How marvelous that we become as newborn babies and You give us our first breath through Your Spirit. I am so thankful that You are a persistent God, persistent and yet, so loving. You are a wonderful Father. I love you, Lord.