John 3:7 Marvel not that I said to you, You must be born again. The work of the Spirit is compared — I. To the BLOWING of the wind. 1. The wind blows vitally and refreshingly, causing the earth to fructify. So it is the Spirit of God who imparts vital grace and makes us bring forth fruit (Song of Solomon 4:16). When a man is drowsy a blast of wind freshens him: so doth the Spirit awaken us from our spiritual slumberings. As God used the wind to bring quails, and still does to bring in great tides of water; so by His Spirit doth He bring all blessings to us, and the tides of repenting tears. The wind from the bellows revives the fire — so does the Spirit the sparks of heavenly fire in us. How soon would the smoking flax be quenched but for this! 2. Winds dissolve the clouds and cause an irrigation of the earth; this spiritual wind causes rain also, even the tears of penitence. 3. Winds cause clearness and sereneness of the air: likewise the Spirit having dissolved our iniquities causes the beauty and sunshine of God's favour to cheer the believer. 4. Winds refrigerate. In the heat of summer how acceptable their comfort! So the Spirit allays the heat of our temptations and afflictions, that we may with patience endure and overcome them. How could the martyrs have so triumphed in the flames but for this? 5. Winds penetrate. So the Word of the Spirit (Hebrews 4:12). 6. Winds terrify by their destructive power. So under the power of the Spirit sinners tremble. 7. Winds carry all before them: with what ease doth the spirit perform its duties when under the power of the Spirit. II. To the LIBERTY of the wind. No creature has any power to raise or check either. 1. In regard of the outward means of the ministry, for it is in that blessed trumpet that the Spirit commonly blows. Once this wind blew in the East, and how famous were those Churches i But it is now turned into the West. 2. In regard to the efficacy of the means. 3. In regard to the measure of the efficacy, piercing deeper, purging cleaner, acts more vitally in some than in others (1 Corinthians 12:11). 4. In regard to the manner of His working. Sometimes using means, sometimes not. 5. In regard of the time of working. III. To the SENSIBLENESS of the wind. This voice is — 1. Secret, within the heart of the regenerate. (1) Arousing, as in conviction of sin. (2) Mild and sweet, alluring to holiness (Isaiah 30:31; Hosea 2:14). (3) Comforting (Matthew 9:2; Romans 8:16). (4) Fervent, as in prayer. 2. Open. (J. Dyke.) Parallel Verses KJV: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.WEB: Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' |
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