There is nothing new under the Sun

Was reading Ecclesiastes today and notably read the famous passage from Solomon that "there is nothing new under the Sun". Solomon's opening view upon life would seem a little bleak and unexciting, simply a chasing after the wind he says. Of cause as we read further he points out some positives as well, but doesn't leave us in his opening with the greatest of expectations.

Yet, it is this chasing after the wind that I find most interesting. Jesus in John chapter three gives us his impression of the wind, stating "we know not from where it comes". The wind it would seem can be very elusive and it is this very fact that makes the wind something to be sought.

What then is this wind that Jesus spoke about? Well, theologians all tell us that the wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit being the third person of the triune God head being God the Father, God the Son and God The Holy Spirit. Whilst for some this may seem strange that the God head is represented in this way, it does indeed make the world of sense when we consider the very make up of mankind.

Man, the bible says in Genesis, is made in the very image of God. At this point we could go off on many different tangents that could lead us down a confusing lane. But I wish to stay on the narrow path and simply consider what we know of what constitutes mankind. All of us will agree that we have a physical body and most would agree we have a soul. Some even agree that there is a spiritual aspect of man that truly makes us who we are.

Greek and Hebrew teaching on this subject do have their different understandings, one stating the soul is part of the spirit of man, whilst the other that they are separate. Taking into account Genesis, that we are indeed made in the image of God and using this as our example than I would argue for man having a separate distinct spirit which scripture imply was breathed into us at creation. It was this action of breathing the spirit in us that brought what was once clay to life.

It is a rather easy concept therefore, to conclude that the Spirit gives life, just as we read in scripture. Jesus himself in John explained this to his followers and later breathed upon them in what can only be described as the regenerating of their spirits.

Jesus set the example for you and I who believe, that it is God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit that regenerates and gives spiritual life back to those who are lost in their sin. As we read in Romans, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and therefore everyone who is made in God's image is in need of this life giving Spirit. If something can be gained then we can assume it can also be lost and as time goes on, I believe it is possible to lose that which has been given and is therefore imperative that those who have been regenerated by God's Spirit continue their fellowship with him. Paul the apostle spoke on this many times in his writings one such example can be seen in 2Corintians 13:14.

What then is the chasing after the wind as Solomon speaks about which I believe can be a greater motivation to life and living? It is the chasing after the sweat presence and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. It is not a format or program in our lives that will bring the satisfaction and success that we all seems to strive after, but the gentle whisperings and leading of God's Spirit.

Have a wonderful Day!