The First Breath & Second Breath of GOD
The Creation of Adam To Jesus Breathing his Spirit
The scene unfolds in the garden of Eden—a masterpiece of divine design, vibrant with life, harmony, and perfection. God, the Creator of all, stoops to the ground, His hands forming the dust of the earth. The clay begins to take shape, molded into the likeness of His eternal imagination. The first man, Adam, is complete in form but lifeless—a sculpture of divine craftsmanship waiting for the touch of eternity.
Scriptural Reference:
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
—Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)
The Breath of God: A Divine Infusion
In a moment filled with profound intimacy, the Creator draws near to His creation. He leans over the lifeless form, His breath—ruach, the Spirit of life—flows into Adam’s nostrils. This is not a mere transfer of oxygen; it is the impartation of divine essence, the spark of life from God’s own being. The clay responds. Adam’s chest rises and falls. His eyes open, and for the first time, humanity awakens to existence, infused with the Spirit of God.
The Essence of God’s Breath
Life Beyond Physicality:
God’s breath didn’t just animate Adam’s body; it gave him a soul—a consciousness and a spirit capable of communion with the divine. Adam became more than a biological organism; he became a living soul, reflecting the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).The Spirit’s Sustaining Power:
This breath was not a one-time act but the beginning of an eternal sustenance.- Job 33:4 (NKJV): "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Every breath we take is a testament to the ongoing vitality of the Spirit that God infused into humanity.
- Job 33:4 (NKJV): "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
The Breath as a Mark of Authority:
The breath of God also signified His authority over Adam’s life. This was not a gift that Adam could claim or manufacture; it was given by the sovereign will of God, marking humanity as distinct from all other creation.
The Connection to Jesus Christ
The breath that gave Adam life was also a foreshadowing of the work of Jesus Christ. After the resurrection, Jesus breathed on His disciples, imparting the Holy Spirit to them.
Scriptural Reference:
"And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’"
—John 20:22 (NKJV)
This moment mirrors the creation of Adam, signifying a new creation—a spiritual rebirth for humanity. Through Jesus, the same life-giving Spirit that animated Adam is now available to all who believe, bringing not just physical life but eternal life.
The Breath of God in Us Today
Sustaining All Life:
God’s breath still animates every living soul.- Acts 17:25 (NKJV): "He gives to all life, breath, and all things."
Every breath we take is a reminder of our dependency on the Creator.
- Acts 17:25 (NKJV): "He gives to all life, breath, and all things."
Spiritual Renewal:
Through faith in Jesus Christ, the breath of God becomes a source of spiritual renewal. The Holy Spirit breathes new life into us, transforming our hearts and minds.- Ezekiel 37:5 (NKJV): "Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.'"
Empowerment for Mission:
Just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on His disciples, believers today are empowered by the Spirit to fulfill God’s purpose.- 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God."
The word "inspiration" here literally means "God-breathed," signifying that the Spirit continually breathes life into His Word and His people.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God."
A Living Connection to God
The breath of God is not confined to the act of creation or the moment of salvation; it is an ongoing relationship. Every moment we breathe is a reflection of His sustaining power. Every prayer, every whisper of worship, is a connection to the breath of the Almighty within us.
- Deep Teaching:
The same Spirit that brought Adam to life is active today, breathing life into dead situations, resurrecting hope, and empowering believers. This breath is the essence of God's presence—intimate, sustaining, and transformative. It unites us with Him, reminding us that we are not just dust but vessels of His eternal Spirit.
A Call to Reflect
As we breathe, let us remember that each inhalation is a gift, a connection to the Creator. The Spirit of God is alive and active, inviting us to walk in His presence, live by His power, and share His life with the world. Just as Adam awoke to God’s breath, we too are invited to awaken—spiritually, emotionally, and eternally—to the life that only He can give.
Jesus and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: A Divine Model for Humanity
The Jordan River sparkled under the sun as the people gathered to witness a prophet baptizing multitudes. Among the crowd stood Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, who was about to inaugurate His public ministry. As He stepped into the water, an extraordinary event unfolded that would resonate through eternity.
Scriptural Reference:
"When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’"
—Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)
Baptism of Jesus: Filled with the Holy Spirit
When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in a visible form, anointing Him for His mission as the Messiah. This marked the beginning of His ministry, not because He lacked the Spirit before, but because this was the public affirmation of His role as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.
- Did Jesus Speak in Tongues?
The Bible does not record Jesus speaking in tongues. However, as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), Jesus had perfect communion with God the Father. Tongues, as introduced later on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), were given as a gift to believers to bridge the limitations of human language and connect with God in a divine, Spirit-led way. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, did not require tongues for communion with His Father, for His connection with the Spirit was seamless and uninterrupted.
Jesus’ Private Time with the Father
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus sought solitude to commune with His Father. These moments were essential for His human experience, modeling the necessity of prayer for all believers.
Early Morning Prayer:
- "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."
—Mark 1:35 (NKJV)
Jesus prioritized time alone with God to align His heart with the Father’s will.
- "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."
Praying Before Critical Moments:
Before choosing His twelve disciples, Jesus spent an entire night in prayer.- "Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
—Luke 6:12 (NKJV)
- "Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
The Garden of Gethsemane:
On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus agonized in prayer, submitting to the Father’s plan.- "And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
—Luke 22:44 (NKJV)
- "And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
These private times were moments of strengthening, intimacy, and divine alignment, showing His reliance on the Father even in His humanity.
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory
The transfiguration of Jesus was a pivotal moment that revealed His divine nature to three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John.
Scriptural Reference:
"And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him."
—Matthew 17:2-3 (NKJV)
Significance of the Transfiguration
A Foretaste of Human Transformation:
The transfiguration was not only a revelation of Jesus’ divine glory but also a foreshadowing of what humanity could experience through Him. Just as Jesus was transformed, believers are promised a future glorification.- "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
—2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
- "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
A Conversation About Redemption:
Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appeared, speaking to Jesus about His impending death in Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-31). This was a divine affirmation that Jesus’ sacrifice would fulfill both the Law and the Prophets.The Father’s Affirmation:
Once again, the voice of the Father declared:- "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
—Matthew 17:5 (NKJV)
This echoes His baptism, reinforcing Jesus’ identity and authority.
- "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
Why Jesus Didn’t Need Tongues as a Man
Jesus, though fully human, was also fully divine. As the Son of God, He had perfect access to the Father through the Spirit. Tongues are a gift for believers to enhance their connection with God, especially when words fail to express the depths of the heart (Romans 8:26). Jesus’ communion with the Father was direct and unbroken, making tongues unnecessary for Him. Instead, He demonstrated the fullness of what it means to live a Spirit-filled life, empowered by prayer, intimacy, and obedience.
From His Transfiguration to Ours
The transfiguration of Jesus is a profound moment that not only reveals His divine identity but also provides a glimpse of the transformation available to humanity through Him. It points to the ultimate purpose of salvation: the restoration and glorification of humanity in the image of God.
Christ, the Firstfruits of Glorification:
- "And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man."
—1 Corinthians 15:49 (NKJV)
Just as Adam was created in God's image, but fell, Jesus—the second Adam—redeemed that image. Through Him, we are promised transformation from our mortal, flawed selves into glorified beings reflecting His majesty.
- "And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man."
Transformation Through the Holy Spirit:
The Spirit who empowered Jesus is the same Spirit at work in believers today, enabling us to be transformed into His likeness.- "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
—Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
- "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
The Transfiguration as a Pattern:
The transfiguration offers insight into the journey of every believer:- From Humility to Glory: Jesus, who walked in humility and servanthood, displayed His divine glory. Similarly, our lives, though marked by trials and weaknesses, are destined for glory.
- From Flesh to Spirit: In Christ, the limitations of the flesh are overcome by the power of the Spirit, transforming us into vessels of God’s glory.
The Role of Prayer in Transformation
Jesus’ private times of prayer were critical to His earthly ministry and serve as a blueprint for believers seeking transformation. These moments of communion with the Father prepared Him for His mission and sustained Him in the face of trials.
For Believers Today:
Prayer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the key to experiencing transformation. When we pray in the Spirit, even through tongues, we align our hearts with God’s will and invite His power into our lives.
- "He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries."
—1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV)
This spiritual communion is a foretaste of the eternal intimacy we will experience with God in His glorified presence.
Jesus’ Humanity and Divine Communion
Jesus modeled for us what it means to live as a human filled with the Spirit of God. Though He did not need tongues to connect with the Father, He demonstrated the importance of surrender, prayer, and obedience. His transfiguration was a preview of the eternal glory promised to all who follow Him.
Transfiguration and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
The transfiguration foreshadows the work of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives:
- The Spirit transforms our hearts, renewing our minds to reflect Christ (Romans 12:2).
- Tongues, as a spiritual gift, are one way the Spirit helps us overcome the limitations of human language, allowing us to connect deeply with God.
The Ultimate Transformation: Our Glorification
The transformation that began at Jesus' baptism by the Holy Spirit and culminated in His transfiguration extends to us through His death and resurrection.
Transfigured by the Spirit in Life:
- As we walk in obedience and communion with God, the Spirit sanctifies us, making us more like Christ day by day.
- "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
—1 John 3:2 (NKJV)
The Promise of Glorification in Eternity:
- When Christ returns, our mortal bodies will be transformed, and we will share in His glory.
- "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body."
—Philippians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
Conclusion: Jesus, the Blueprint of Transformation
Jesus’ baptism, private communion with God, and transfiguration reveal the divine plan for humanity: to be filled with the Spirit, transformed by His power, and ultimately glorified in His presence.
- Though Jesus did not need tongues to commune with God, His life exemplifies the Spirit-filled existence available to all believers.
- His transfiguration reveals the glory that awaits us and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
As we yield to the Spirit through prayer, obedience, and faith, we are transformed from glory to glory, becoming more like Jesus until the day we stand before Him, fully transfigured into His image.
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever. Amen.”
—Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV)
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