Ruach - a small word with immense meaning

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:2

As a bit of introvert, I thought I would try blogging to share thoughts, search the unsearchable and plumb the depths of my own mind as a way to reach out to others.

I have always loved the word 'ruach' and thought that it would be a good name for my blog. 'Ruach' is not limited (as you will see in a minute), and that it is the quality of the word that inspired me to give my blog the subtitle of 'a pastiche of musings, reflections and contemplations'. I pray that what I share in this blog is God-inspired and will enrich the person who reads it.

'Ruach' is used 389 times in the Bible and mostly is used as 'spirit' or 'breath'. The meaning of the word is to be understood however only from its usage.  The one root idea running through all the passages is invisible force.  As this force may be exerted in varying forms, and may be manifested in diverse ways, so various renderings are necessitated, corresponding to the word. 'Ruach', in whatever sense it is used, always represents that which is invisible except by its manifestations.  These are seen both externally to human beings, as well as internally within humans.

As coming from God, it is the invisible origin of life.  All apart from this is death.  It comes from God, and returns to God (Ecc. 3:19, 20).  Hence, 'ruach' is used of :

• God, as being invisible - The Spirit of Jehovah", is Jehovah Himself, in His manifestation of invisible power
• The Holy Spirit
• Invisible divine power manifesting itself in creation, in giving life and in executing judgment
• Invisible "power from on high," manifesting itself as divine power in giving spiritual gifts.  Spoken of as, coming upon, clothing, falling on, and being poured out. 
• The invisible parts of a person (psychological - given by God at a person's formation at birth, and returning to God at  death.)
• The invisible characteristics of a person (manifesting themselves in states of mind and feeling)
• Invisible spirit beings, both good and evil
• The invisible manifestations of the atmosphere such as air, temperature, wind, tempests, blasts etc

A perfect word that gives me room to manouvre as I think about to share. I look forward to the journey.

Youtube is a wonderful source of inspiration and so I will suggest relevant clips to the theme. Here is one from the City Harvest Church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R8fJO1hlg8&feature=related