Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

~Genesis 2:7 ESV

Have you ever experienced sub-zero temperatures? I have.

For four months of the year, I have a good chance of seeing my breath as I exhale during my early morning walk to the barn because I live in the mountains along the Eastern Continental Divide.

Those first few breaths on a frosty morning can be invigorating. It is visual evidence that I am alive. In years past, people would hold a small mirror to someone’s nose and mouth to tell if they were still alive. The mirror would register even the faintest breath, fogging over.

God formed Adam from the dust of the earth, and He breathed life into him. The Hebrew word, ruach, can be translated as wind, breath, or spirit. When used in combination with one of the names of God, it usually exalts His creative power.

That would have been amazing to observe that first breath He breathed into Adam! I doubt Adam got to see it, but that single breath had long-reaching, life-giving power for each child who has been born ever since.

All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage].

~2 Timothy 3:16AMP

God breathed His Spirit into the writers of the Bible and motivated their hearts to put ink to the page, making God’s Word a living document that can reach the soul of mankind. These forty men were inspired to write the words of God. The Bible is the most powerful book ever written.

And when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

~John 20:22 ESV

This same breath of God empowered the disciples to begin their earthly ministry. They performed great miracles such as healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and speaking in foreign languages. This showed their calling was authentic as they gave God the glory through the authority of Jesus Christ our Lord.


One day in the not-too-distant future, God will breathe life into the new Heaven and the new earth, making it available to all those who have been saved by the finished work of Christ on Calvary’s cross and His burial, resurrection, and ascension. Oh, what a magnificent time it will be, seeing the earth re-created and creation declaring the fullness of His glory for all of eternity. Friend, rejoice for the breath of life.

Have you thanked God lately for the breath of life?

Father God, You breathed life into every living creature. Give me the steadfastness of Job to remain faithful to You. Thank You for giving me the breath of life. Let me make every breath I take show that I am alive in Him. Thank You for granting eternal life to all who are in Christ.

Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: The Breath of Life: Ben Cooper: All Rights Reserved