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Spirit First

If you’ve ever felt confused reading this passage, you’re not alone. Nicodemus felt the same way. Jesus’ words challenge both our worldly perspective and our religious mindset. But don’t worry—today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we’re going to realign ourselves with the Kingdom of God.

Jesus isn’t complicating the truth; He’s revealing the divine order for a life that truly pleases God. And it all starts with the Spirit.

From the very beginning, creation shows us this divine order. The Hebrew word רוּחַ (ruach), often translated as spirit, breath, or wind, carries deep meaning. Genesis 1:2 says, “The Spirit of God (ruach Elohim) was hovering over the waters,” showing that God’s Spirit was present at creation, bringing order, power, and life. Then, in Genesis 2:7, “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath (ruach) of life, and the man became a living being.” This reveals that God’s ruach—His Spirit—is the source of all life. Without Him, we are just dust—physically alive but spiritually empty, merely flesh (Romans 8:5-6, 8:13; Galatians 5:16, 5:25).

Today, we must allow the Holy Spirit to breathe life into us once again. He desires to work in you—to speak to you (Acts 8:29), teach you the whole truth (John 16:13), strengthen you (Ephesians 3:16), give you life (John 6:63), and help you understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:12). And this is just the beginning. When you give Him the place of honor and live under His guidance, He will transform your spirit, soul, and mind, making you whole in Him (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

In life, there are so many competing demands. Our circumstances can wreak havoc on our emotions, our thoughts and even on our bodies. We can feel like we are pulled in a thousand different directions, but Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus—and to us—that we are born again in the Spirit and the Spirit must take the lead in the way we live if we are to experience the wholeness God has for us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit, the breath of life that renews and transforms me. I surrender to You—help me to live Spirit first in all things. Speak to me, teach me, strengthen me, and guide me in Your truth. Breathe Your life into me and make me whole in You.