Receive the Breath of the Holy Spirit and Be Transformed
Praise be to Jesus Christ
There was a Portuguese king named Shah. Prosperity and happiness were sustained during his reign. Every day, Shah used to spend some personal time in a private room before he appeared in the palace. The whole world was curious to know what he was doing there. One day, he died. Men rushed into his private room. They found an old, shabby cloth and a stick which he had used when he was a shepherd. He always wore those before putting on his royal dress. This made him reflect on the journey he had taken before becoming a king and transformed him into a humble and simple man.
The Feast of Pentecost reminds us of a day when the Church began Her journey. It was in that room, in Sehion, that the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples into great apostles.
The apostles had a fearful past—shy to talk about Jesus, closing themselves off in a room. But Jesus stood among them and breathed on them, telling them to receive the Holy Spirit. This breath gave them new life… That breath was a puffing…
- To wake from sleep…
- To preach rather than remain silent…
- To be brave over timidity…
- To forgive rather than hurt…
Yes, that Breath gave them a new life. This breath is the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 2:7 states, “God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, causing him to become a living being.” This verse is a pivotal point in the creation narrative, marking the transition from the physical form of man to a being endowed with life and spirit.
Then why did Jesus breathe again?
Because He wanted to fill them with the Holy Spirit. As human beings, we are not capable of doing anything by ourselves. John remarks in John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no help at all.” The disciples were waiting for this anointing by the Spirit, as their Guru told them: “I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
While journeying through this ambiguous world, pause for a moment and ask yourself: Do I have sufficient spiritual energy to complete this expedition? If not, seek His Spirit.
Ezekiel 37:10 narrates a miraculous event where God commands Ezekiel to prophesy over a valley of dry bones: “The prophet speaks, and the breath of God enters the bones, bringing them to life. They stand on their feet, forming a vast army.”
When the Holy Spirit is lacking, I won’t be a fruitful individual. As Charles Spurgeon says, “Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are ships without wind. We are useless.”
Even when I speak, it feels futile.
Even when I teach, it appears insignificant.
Even when I work, it seems valueless.
Even when I serve, it feels pointless.
Jesus promises in Luke 11:13, “How much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” On this Feast of Pentecost, let us deeply desire the breath of Jesus and live a Spirit-filled life.
Once I am filled with the Spirit, I can be a blessing in my family, community, workplace, and wherever I am planted. My past will be transformed, and history will be re-written. As the breath provides life to the body, the Holy Spirit makes the person alive and spiritual. Let my presence touch others and be capable of spreading joy and peace.
Oh Jesus, expel Your breath upon me, so that I may become alive…
