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The term “Ruach Y*hweh” was recently used in one of the morning devotionals that I read. As I reflected on it, I knew I had to write about it. In today’s message I hope to explain what this phrase has to do with you and me. I invite you to read more. (Out of proper respect for God’s name and the suggestion of a reader below, I will be using the term Ruach Lord.)
The Hebrew phrase “Ruach Lord” translates to “Spirit of the Lord,” and it is a powerful concept woven throughout the Bible. From the opening pages of Genesis, where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters, to the anointing of kings and prophets, to Jesus’ own proclamation in the synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18, citing Isaiah 61), Ruach Lord signifies God’s presence, power, and purpose. This same Spirit dwells within you and me and all who believe in, and follow Jesus, equipping us to continue His work of healing and setting captives free.
When Jesus began His public ministry, He announced His mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18). He healed those who were both spiritually and physically sick.
Jesus did not keep this mission to Himself. Before His ascension, He promised His followers that they, too, would be filled with the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”(Acts 1:8). He breathed on His disciples, saying, “Receive the holy Spirit.” (John 20:22). On the day of Pentecost, this promise was fulfilled as the Spirit descended with power, enabling the apostles to preach boldly, perform miracles, and establish the early Church.
As Christians today, we are recipients of the same Spirit. Ruach Lord is not confined to the pages of Scripture or the lives of the apostles; it is a living reality for all of us who are in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” This indwelling Spirit calls and empowers us to participate in Jesus’ mission of healing and liberation.
So, what does this look like for the average person in the modern world? Most of us are not traveling evangelists or miracle workers. Yet, the Spirit’s work is not limited to extraordinary acts. The Spirit empowers us to bring God’s healing and freedom into our everyday lives and communities.
One of the most profound ways we can participate in the Spirit’s work is by fostering reconciliation and peace in our relationships. Whether it’s extending forgiveness to someone who has wronged us or seeking to mend a broken friendship, we act as vessels of God’s healing. The Spirit gives us the strength to love sacrificially and pursue unity.
In a world filled with anxiety, depression, and trauma, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart can be transformative. The Spirit equips us with the fruits of love, kindness, and gentleness, enabling us to comfort those who are hurting. Praying with and for others, sharing Scripture, or simply being present in their pain can bring the peace of God into their lives.
Many people today are bound by addictions, fears, and lies. As Spirit-filled Christians, we can help others find freedom by pointing them to the truth of the Gospel. This may involve mentoring someone through a recovery program, sharing testimonies of God’s deliverance, or helping them seek professional counseling through a Christ-centered lens. Prayer—both intercessory and in partnership with the afflicted—is a powerful tool for breaking spiritual strongholds.
Ruach Lord calls us to action. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, supporting anti-trafficking efforts, or mentoring at-risk youth, our actions can reflect God’s heart for the oppressed. The Spirit guides us to be agents of transformation in a broken world.
Ultimately, our lives are a testimony to the Spirit’s power. As we walk in step with the Spirit, displaying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), we become beacons of hope. Our words and actions can draw others to Christ and inspire them to seek the freedom and healing He offers.
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is not a matter of striving in our own strength but of yielding to the Spirit. Ruach Lord is the source of our power and guidance. Through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture, we cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. We are not called to do everything, but we are each called to something—a unique role in God’s redemptive plan.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon us. Let us go forth with courage and compassion, healing the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives, and bringing the light of Christ into a darkened world. Ruach Lord is alive within us. May we walk in its power and fulfill the mission God has called us to.
Heavenly Father, I believe you have breathed your Holy Spirit upon me. I know you have called me to go forth as a witness. Strengthen me in this endeavor and give me the words to use to draw others to the saving power of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen!
AMDG
I always love to hear from you. You can email me by clicking here.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
- Trapped In The Attic - February 9, 2025
- Ruach Lord – Empowered to Heal and Set Free - February 2, 2025
- Intimacy Anorexia - January 22, 2025
Brian
Thank you!
May the Lord continue to bless you & your work
Michael T
Thank you Brian
Julie
You are most welcome. I am glad you and many others from your area have joined our mailing list. I hope you enjoy the future issues of the 4th Day Letter. I always love to hear from readers. My wife and I are already looking forward to being back in Massachusetts in June.
Brian
Amen Brother Brian… Loved your devotion today! We have the Lord’s wisdom, knowledge, and power indwelling us. To accomplish His will and bring honor and glory to Him! “How may I help you today, Lord?”
Thanks Doug!
Brian
just a quick note about Y*wheh: i thought pope benedict asked us, out of respect for not pronouncing the name unspoken, we were not to directly refer to it……..
that’s why “Y*whh is the God of my salvation” has been changed………..
Thanks….good to know!
Brian
Fr J
Thanks again for your post. I learned something very important today. My goal has always been to write about things that unite Christians. My readers come from many different denominations. The Holy Spirit and the Spirit of the Lord is certainly one of those topics that all Christians believe in. Although this 4th Day Letter is Ecumenical in nature, I am a Catholic and don’t want to write something that goes against church teaching. I appreciate you letting me know. Here is what my research showed me. I thought others would be interested in this as well.
The use of the phrase “Ruach Yahweh,” which translates to “Spirit of the LORD” or “Spirit of Yahweh,” raises important considerations within the context of Catholic teaching and the broader understanding of the sacredness of God’s name.
Understanding “Ruach Yahweh”
1. Meaning and Context: “Ruach” is the Hebrew word for “spirit” or “breath,” and when combined with “Yahweh,” it refers to the Spirit of God. This phrase appears in various passages of the Old Testament, particularly in contexts that discuss the action and presence of God’s Spirit in the world, such as in Genesis 1:2 and Isaiah 11:2.
2. Theological Significance: In Catholic theology, the Holy Spirit is recognized as the third person of the Holy Trinity. The phrase “Ruach Yahweh” can be significant in discussions about the nature of the Holy Spirit and God’s active presence in creation and salvation history.
Catholic Teaching on God’s Name
As previously noted, the Catholic Church emphasizes a deep reverence for the name of God, particularly the tetragrammaton YHWH. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has provided clear directives that discourage the vocalization or written use of the tetragrammaton in liturgical contexts, advocating instead for the use of “LORD” or “God”12. This directive extends to the use of “Yahweh” in general, as it is derived from the tetragrammaton.
Implications for Catholic Writers
1. Use of “Yahweh”: Given the Church’s guidance, it would be considered inappropriate for a Catholic writer to use “Yahweh” in any form, including “Ruach Yahweh,” in formal writings or articles. This is particularly true in liturgical or devotional contexts where the name of God is treated with utmost reverence.
2. Alternative Phrasing: Instead, a Catholic writer might consider using “Spirit of the LORD” or “Holy Spirit” when discussing the theological concepts associated with “Ruach Yahweh.” This approach aligns with the Church’s teachings and maintains the respect due to God’s name.
3. Contextual Considerations: If the article is academic or theological in nature, it may be appropriate to discuss the term “Ruach Yahweh” in a historical or linguistic context, provided that the writer clarifies the reverence associated with the name and adheres to the Church’s guidelines regarding its use.
Conclusion
In summary, it is considered inappropriate for a Catholic writer to use the name “Ruach Yahweh” in an article due to the Church’s teachings on the sacredness of God’s name. Instead, using alternatives such as “Spirit of the LORD” or “Holy Spirit” would be more in line with Catholic doctrine and demonstrate the necessary respect for the divine name.
Thank you, Brian, for this uplifting reminder of who we are. Ruach Yahweh is certainly manifested in your ministry. Jim
Jim
Thanks you!
Brian
DeColores, Brian! (& Marybeth!) Thank you once again for your inspiring words – a call to action , to live our faith as Christ’s disciples every day , with love & compassion for all – SUCH AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE in today’s world! Christ is counting on us ! And we on Him!
God bless! So grateful for your presence in our lives & looking forward to your return to our Cursillo Convocation in June at Stonehill!
With love & prayers , Patti & John
Patti
Thank you for your kind post. We too are looking forward to getting back to Massachusetts in June for the convocation. It will be here before we know it. Have a blessed day.
Brian
Hi Brian,
I have a suggestion. Instead of listing your archived letters by date, maybe you should list them by topic. I was looking for something on depression and it would have been helpful if the title of your letters were displayed so I could refer to one that addressed my current situation. Just a suggestion.
Be blessed,
Daria
Daria
Thank you for that suggestion. I’ll ask my web design people to look into that.
Brian