The Breath of Life

March 13, 2025

The tree of life represents constant communion with God and an uninterrupted flow of His life

Life can sometimes feel like a desolate wasteland, a valley of dry bones, barren and devoid of hope. But even in the most arid and hopeless of circumstances, the breath of God has the power to bring forth life, restoration, and renewal. This meditation delves into the potent power of God's life-giving breath, reminding us of our inherent connection to His life, the vibrant, overflowing life of God through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Dry Bones and the Prophetic Word

"Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones, then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them." (Ezekiel 37:8)

The bones have now taken on the form of bodies, complete with flesh and skin, they remain lifeless. This emphasizes the crucial role of God's breath in bringing true, vibrant life. Our external circumstances may improve, things might start to look better on the surface, but without the infusion of God's breath true and lasting transformation remains elusive. We might experience temporary relief or superficial change, but the deep, inner transformation that only God can bring is still missing.

"Then he said to me, ‘Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these slain, that they may live.”’" (Ezekiel 37:9)

God then instructs Ezekiel to call upon the breath to enter these newly formed bodies. This breath is not mere air; it represents the very Zoe life of God, the divine spark that animates, empowers, and gives true life. It is the essence of God Himself being breathed into these lifeless forms. When we invite God's breath – His Holy Spirit – into our situations, we invite His transformative power to bring complete life and wholeness, restoring us from the inside out. This is not just about fixing external problems; it's about receiving the very life of God into our hearts and souls.

The Creation of Life

The creation account in Genesis 1 provides a foundational understanding of God's creative power and the origin of life itself. It reveals the intentional and purposeful act of God in bringing forth humankind, created in His very image.

"Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.'" (Genesis 1:26)

This verse highlights the unique position of humanity, created to reflect God's image and to exercise dominion over the earth. It speaks to the inherent dignity and value bestowed upon us as God's creation.

"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

Being created in God's image signifies that we possess qualities that reflect His nature, such as love, creativity, and the capacity for relationship. This sets us apart from the rest of creation and establishes our unique connection to the Divine.

God formed Adam's body from the dust of the ground, but he was not truly alive until God breathed His life into him.

"Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person." (Genesis 2:7)

This act of breathing life into Adam demonstrates that true life originates from God. It is not merely a biological process, but a divine impartation of the life, the very essence of God Himself. This breath transformed Adam from inanimate dust into a living being, imbued with God's own life.

The Tree of Life

In the idyllic setting of the Garden of Eden, God placed the tree of life, a symbol of continuous access to His life-giving presence.

"In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:9)

The tree of life represents constant communion with God, an uninterrupted flow of His life, sustaining and nourishing humanity in perfect harmony with Him. It was a tangible representation of God's provision for eternal life and unbroken fellowship.

Tragically, through disobedience and sin, humanity forfeited access to this life-giving tree. The connection to God's life was severed, resulting in spiritual death and separation from His presence. This separation brought about decay, disease, and ultimately, physical death. However, through the sacrificial act of Jesus on the cross, a way was opened for us to be reconnected to the source of life.

The Divine Exchange

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are pivotal events in human history, marking a profound turning point in our relationship with God. Through His sacrifice, a divine exchange took place, a transaction of cosmic proportions.

Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, taking upon Himself the penalty for our transgressions. He bore the weight of our sickness, disease, and infirmities, absorbing the curse of poverty and lack. In return, He freely offers us His righteousness, His healing, and His abundant provision. This exchange is not merely a theological concept; it is a tangible reality that we can experience in our daily lives.

By partaking in communion, we actively remember and participate in this divine exchange. We partake of the bread, symbolizing Jesus' broken body, and the cup, representing His shed blood, as tangible reminders of the price He paid to reconnect us to the life. Communion is not just a ritual; it is a powerful act of remembrance and participation in the very life of God.

Conclusion

The breath of life, the life of God, is not a distant, unattainable ideal; it is a present reality available to every believer through the finished work of Jesus Christ. By boldly speaking God’s promises over our lives, actively renewing our minds with His truth, and regularly remembering the divine exchange that took place on the cross, we can unlock and release this life-giving power into every aspect of our being. This life is our inheritance, and it is through faith and surrender to God's Spirit that we can fully experience its transformative power.

Reflect on This

• Consider specific areas in your life that feel dry and lifeless. What promises from God's Word can you speak over these areas to invite His life-giving breath?

• How can you actively engage in prophetic declaration over your circumstances?

• How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's life already present within you?

  
  

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the immeasurable gift of your life. I declare that your breath is flowing through me right now, bringing life, healing, and restoration to every cell in my body, every thought in my mind, and every emotion in my heart. I am connected to the tree of life through the sacrifice of Jesus, and I gratefully receive your righteousness, your abundant provision, and your complete healing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• God's breath has the power to transform hopeless situations and bring life to dry places.

• The life, the vibrant and overflowing life of God, is available to every believer through Jesus Christ.

• We can release the life into our lives through faith-filled declarations, renewing our minds with God's truth, and actively remembering the divine exchange.

• Jesus' sacrifice on the cross reconnects us to the tree of life, restoring our access to God's life-giving presence.

• Communion is a powerful reminder and participation in the divine exchange, connecting us to the life.

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.