Breathe on Me Jesus
Breathing New Life: Finding God's Presence in a Lukewarm World
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, many of us find ourselves longing for peace, purpose, and a deeper connection with the divine. But how do we bridge the gap between our everyday struggles and the transformative power of God's presence? The answer may lie in a simple yet profound act: allowing Jesus to breathe new life into our souls.
Imagine for a moment the disciples, huddled behind locked doors, fear gripping their hearts after witnessing the crucifixion of their beloved teacher. In this moment of despair, something extraordinary happens. Jesus appears among them, defying physical barriers, and speaks words of peace. But He doesn't stop there. He breathes on them, imparting the Holy Spirit and commissioning them for a greater purpose.
This powerful scene from John 20:19-23 serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. How often do we find ourselves trapped behind the locked doors of our own making – doors of doubt, fear, or lukewarm faith? Yet Jesus stands ready to enter our space, offering His peace and life-giving breath.
The concept of breath as a source of life is deeply rooted in scripture. From the very beginning, when God formed man from the dust and breathed life into his nostrils, to Jesus' resurrection appearance, breath has been a symbol of divine power and presence. It's a reminder that without God's breath – His Spirit – we are spiritually dead.
But here's the challenging truth we must confront: many of us have become lukewarm in our faith. We're neither hot nor cold, but existing in a tepid middle ground that threatens to render us ineffective. The church of Laodicea in Revelation 3 received a stern warning about this very condition. Christ declared that He would rather have them be either hot or cold, for their lukewarm state made Him want to "spit them out of His mouth."
This imagery is jarring, but it serves as a wake-up call. Have we become too comfortable in our faith? Are we willing to change for the world but resistant to changing for God? The good news is that even to this lukewarm church, Jesus extends an invitation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (Revelation 3:20).
The question is, will we open the door?
Opening our hearts to Christ's presence requires vulnerability and a willingness to be transformed. It means acknowledging our lukewarm state and crying out, "Breathe on me, Jesus!" We need His breath to:
1. Cure our anxiety and doubt
2. Reignite our passion for God
3. Empower us with the fire of the Holy Spirit
4. Heal our bodies and spirits
5. Give us purpose and direction
When we invite Jesus to breathe on us, we're asking for more than just a momentary spiritual high. We're seeking a fundamental change in our very being. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, we're inviting the presence of the "fourth man" to walk with us through life's trials. In His presence, the fires of adversity lose their power to harm us.
The story of the three Hebrew men reminds us of an important truth: God's presence doesn't always remove us from difficult situations, but it does transform how we experience them. When we're filled with the breath of God, we can face seemingly impossible odds with confidence, declaring like those faithful men, "Our God is able to deliver us... but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods" (Daniel 3:17-18).
This unwavering faith in the face of adversity is what sets apart those who are truly on fire for God from those who are merely lukewarm. It's the difference between showing up to church when it's convenient and living a life wholly devoted to Christ's calling.
So how do we move from lukewarm to on fire? It starts with recognizing our need for God's breath. We must come to Him in humility, admitting our shortcomings and our desperate need for His presence. Then, we must be willing to open the door when He knocks, inviting Him into every area of our lives.
As we do this, we can expect God to breathe new life into us in several ways:
1. Renewed Purpose: Just as Jesus commissioned the disciples after breathing on them, He will give us a fresh sense of purpose and calling.
2. Spiritual Power: The breath of God brings the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live victoriously and impact others for the Kingdom.
3. Inner Healing: God's breath can heal the wounds of our past and bring wholeness to our spirits.
4. Boldness in Faith: Like the early church in Acts, being filled with God's breath will empower us to speak His truth courageously.
5. Intimacy with God: As we experience His breath, we draw closer to His heart, developing a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.
The invitation is clear: "Breathe on me, Jesus." It's a prayer for revival, both personal and corporate. It's a recognition that without His life-giving presence, we are but dust. But with His breath, we become living, powerful testimonies to His grace and love.
Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you when you invite His presence. So don't settle for a tepid faith. Cry out for the fire of God to consume you, for His breath to fill you, and for His presence to transform you. In doing so, you'll discover a life of purpose, power, and unshakeable peace – the life God always intended for you to live.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, many of us find ourselves longing for peace, purpose, and a deeper connection with the divine. But how do we bridge the gap between our everyday struggles and the transformative power of God's presence? The answer may lie in a simple yet profound act: allowing Jesus to breathe new life into our souls.
Imagine for a moment the disciples, huddled behind locked doors, fear gripping their hearts after witnessing the crucifixion of their beloved teacher. In this moment of despair, something extraordinary happens. Jesus appears among them, defying physical barriers, and speaks words of peace. But He doesn't stop there. He breathes on them, imparting the Holy Spirit and commissioning them for a greater purpose.
This powerful scene from John 20:19-23 serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. How often do we find ourselves trapped behind the locked doors of our own making – doors of doubt, fear, or lukewarm faith? Yet Jesus stands ready to enter our space, offering His peace and life-giving breath.
The concept of breath as a source of life is deeply rooted in scripture. From the very beginning, when God formed man from the dust and breathed life into his nostrils, to Jesus' resurrection appearance, breath has been a symbol of divine power and presence. It's a reminder that without God's breath – His Spirit – we are spiritually dead.
But here's the challenging truth we must confront: many of us have become lukewarm in our faith. We're neither hot nor cold, but existing in a tepid middle ground that threatens to render us ineffective. The church of Laodicea in Revelation 3 received a stern warning about this very condition. Christ declared that He would rather have them be either hot or cold, for their lukewarm state made Him want to "spit them out of His mouth."
This imagery is jarring, but it serves as a wake-up call. Have we become too comfortable in our faith? Are we willing to change for the world but resistant to changing for God? The good news is that even to this lukewarm church, Jesus extends an invitation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (Revelation 3:20).
The question is, will we open the door?
Opening our hearts to Christ's presence requires vulnerability and a willingness to be transformed. It means acknowledging our lukewarm state and crying out, "Breathe on me, Jesus!" We need His breath to:
1. Cure our anxiety and doubt
2. Reignite our passion for God
3. Empower us with the fire of the Holy Spirit
4. Heal our bodies and spirits
5. Give us purpose and direction
When we invite Jesus to breathe on us, we're asking for more than just a momentary spiritual high. We're seeking a fundamental change in our very being. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, we're inviting the presence of the "fourth man" to walk with us through life's trials. In His presence, the fires of adversity lose their power to harm us.
The story of the three Hebrew men reminds us of an important truth: God's presence doesn't always remove us from difficult situations, but it does transform how we experience them. When we're filled with the breath of God, we can face seemingly impossible odds with confidence, declaring like those faithful men, "Our God is able to deliver us... but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods" (Daniel 3:17-18).
This unwavering faith in the face of adversity is what sets apart those who are truly on fire for God from those who are merely lukewarm. It's the difference between showing up to church when it's convenient and living a life wholly devoted to Christ's calling.
So how do we move from lukewarm to on fire? It starts with recognizing our need for God's breath. We must come to Him in humility, admitting our shortcomings and our desperate need for His presence. Then, we must be willing to open the door when He knocks, inviting Him into every area of our lives.
As we do this, we can expect God to breathe new life into us in several ways:
1. Renewed Purpose: Just as Jesus commissioned the disciples after breathing on them, He will give us a fresh sense of purpose and calling.
2. Spiritual Power: The breath of God brings the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live victoriously and impact others for the Kingdom.
3. Inner Healing: God's breath can heal the wounds of our past and bring wholeness to our spirits.
4. Boldness in Faith: Like the early church in Acts, being filled with God's breath will empower us to speak His truth courageously.
5. Intimacy with God: As we experience His breath, we draw closer to His heart, developing a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.
The invitation is clear: "Breathe on me, Jesus." It's a prayer for revival, both personal and corporate. It's a recognition that without His life-giving presence, we are but dust. But with His breath, we become living, powerful testimonies to His grace and love.
Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you when you invite His presence. So don't settle for a tepid faith. Cry out for the fire of God to consume you, for His breath to fill you, and for His presence to transform you. In doing so, you'll discover a life of purpose, power, and unshakeable peace – the life God always intended for you to live.
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
June
July
September
No Comments