God's breath

"Then the Lord formed man of the dust from the ground,

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;

and man became a living being (soul)."

Genesis 2:7 (New American Standard Version)

 

I am studying the book of Genesis this year with Bible Study Fellowship.  One of my fellow students pointed out yesterday that all the rest of creation was brought to life by God's speaking.  Only man was given life by God's breath.  This sets man and woman apart from all other creation.  We are formed in God's image.  We bear his characteristics and likeness.  We are not "God", but we are like God in many ways.  We have the ability to reason, to choose, to love, to hate and to create, among other things.

 

There is a parallel account in the New Testament, to God's breathing life into mankind.  In John 20:22 we read:

 

"And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit...'"

(New American Standard Version)

 

Again, God's breath created new life, in his very image, in mankind.  We have the very "mind of Christ" because of the Holy Spirit living within us.

 

2 Timothy 3:16 says that God's Word, the Scripture, is also God-breathed: "All Scripture is inspired by God (God-breathed) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for traiing in righteousness." (New American Standard Version).

 

So, when I memorize Scripture verses, I have the very breath of God giving me healthy, vigorous spiritual life as the Holy Spirit quickens my thought-life with God's thoughts!  That is good news!

--Posted by Mama O.