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 

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Brian Pusateri
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