John 20:22
And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! [Amplified]
Just like that! Most people put a great deal more emphasis on the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, but here we have a very low-key moment. Jesus explains their mission: go forth, do as I did, be directed by me in all you do … and then he breathes on them.
Over the years, the power of breath has been touted more and more. How many times are we told to take a deep breath? It’s one of the best things we can do for our bodies.
But the key is taking the breath. Instead, we take short shallow breaths. We know it’s good/better to use deep breathing, but we don’t. Why? We are no longer in touch with our breath.
Jesus says, “receive” the Holy Spirit. Like any gift, unless our hands are open, we cannot receive it. We must accept what is given. And if we have the power to accept, we also have the power to reject.
Breath, like the wind, cannot be measured or seen.
Today, I want to imagine that every breath I take is receiving the Holy Spirit. Today I choose life. Today I breathe in Jesus with every breath I take.
Leave a comment