The Way the Wind Blows

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8 ESV).

 

One of the most unique wind turbines I have ever seen was the one I’ve attached with this reading. It is made entirely of metal and tops an electrical generating turbine. The colors as it spins give it a beautiful picture of color in motion. I’m sure it serves as both a wonderful piece of art as well as a very useful tool. It reminds me of the reference Jesus uses in our reading today.

 

Nicodemus was a teacher. He wanted to meet Jesus, so he went to visit Jesus one night, and they had a fascinating conversation. Nicodemus knew that God was with Jesus in a special way because Jesus performed miracles that no one else could do. But Nicodemus remained uncertain about Jesus. Was it possible that Jesus might be greater than any prophet the world had ever seen?

 

Jesus knew that Nicodemus was a gifted religious leader who was blind to spiritual truths. So Jesus said a person must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus knew that this was physically impossible, but Jesus was talking about spiritual rebirth, the miracle that happens when God's Spirit puts new life in dead hearts.

The Bible doesn't tell us whether Nicodemus became a believer in Jesus. We do know that when the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus, Nicodemus spoke up in his defense (cf. John 7:50-51). We also know that Nicodemus helped a man named Joseph lay Jesus' body in a tomb after Jesus died on the cross (cf. John 19:39). Perhaps the “wind” blew life into his spirit also.

 

Some of the best-known words in the Bible are from Jesus' talk with Nicodemus: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16). Feel the wind of God’s Spirit in your heart today!