Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)
Thoughts: Human beings are more than just chemicals and elements. We are more than just a complicated arrangement of atoms by total chance. Love is more than hormones. There is a purpose in life to honor with our breath the one who gave us breath. We are called to also enjoy the breath God gave us and to be good stewards of that breath.
The word "spirit", "soul", and "breath" are all the same word in Hebrew (nephesh). God is the One who gives us life and a soul that goes on forever.
On Ash Wednesday, we should repent. The church desperately needs to repent of straying away from God and His Law. We have gone our own way. We have believed and acted as if we are just animals- just dust- just instincts. We have forgotten how to live for good and are instead living like animals--claiming that the way of nature- is always best. The One who gives us breath calls us to not be just natural dust. He calls us to purpose, meaning, love, and hope. He makes beautiful things out of dust.
Prayer: Every breath I take, O Lord, reminds me that I am not just dust. You have blessed me with life. May I live it for you.
Great song for this devotional and for Ash Wednesday: Gungor "You make beautiful things out of dust."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is6weMrenls
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