The first creation story informs us that God is the Spirit who hovers over his creation (Genesis 1). Also, the Spirit is not mute, he speaks. The Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach (trans. breath or wind). So when God speaks he breathes or blows. The Israelites experienced the wind in their geographical location as hot or cool. This hot or cool wind became a metaphor for how they came to view God. God was both the hot, powerful Spirit and the cool, refreshing Spirit. God blows hot and cool! He judges and restores.
Jesus was filled with this hot and cool Spirit. He was empowered to do the very work of God: judgement (the call to repentance) and restoration (i.e. forgiveness of sins). He came to share the Spirit with us, the church, so that we can also blow hot and cool. The church is fired up to share the refreshing message of the Gospel to our society. We are called by God blow hot and cool air. When we proclaim the Gospel God uses our words and deeds to breathe new life in the hearts of those around us. So go forth Immanuel, go and blow hot and cool. Know that the Holy Spirit goes with you.
Pastor Will Frost
