Do You Think That’s Air You’re Breathing???

As a movie buff, particularly older films, one of my absolute favorites is The Matrix. I’ve watched it over 200 times, or more. You’ve probably seen the picture of Morpheus played by Lawrence Fishburne. I have a friend, Corey Edingburgh, who said I look like him. If you laugh or believe that I look even remotely close to Morpheus/Lawrence Fishburne, we’re no longer friends. Just kidding, . There was a particular scene in the movie where Morpheus was training Neo in the fighting program. Morpheus asks Neo, “Do you think that’s air you’re breathing?” How impactful of a question is that in our lives today?

One morning, during prayer, the Holy Spirit guided me to a part of my prayer and gratitude to the Heavenly Father. I always thank the Heavenly Father for the breath in my body. As I said it again, the Holy Spirit directed me to read the Book of Genesis. In being obedient, I started reading Genesis, beginning in chapter 1, then chapter 2, and suddenly, verse 7 hit me right in the face.

Genesis 2:7 (NIV) 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. 

How does this movie scene and scripture relate to our lives? In the movie scene, Morpheus is training Neo about how the “system” works. Genesis 2:7 explains how our body (system) functions by receiving the breath we breathe every day. The Heavenly Father instructs us that the breath we breathe daily is from HIM. The Heavenly Father, in His infinite power, formed Adam and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, transforming him into a living being. Let’s take a moment to contemplate the immense power of the Heavenly Father.

        •      “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground…”- The infinite power of the Heavenly Father, creator of all things, to create life.

        •       “…and breathe into his nostrils the breath of life…”- The infinite power of the Heavenly Father to provide life.

        •       “…and the man became a living being.”- The infinite power of the Heavenly Father as the giver of life.

Do we truly comprehend the immense power and love of the Heavenly Father? As the creator of all things, he provides us with the breath of life daily. Let me reiterate this, quoting myself, “The Heavenly Father, the creator of all things, gives us the breath of life daily.” Do you genuinely believe that we are awake by mere chance?

That question leads me to a little story time:

I have a couple of friends, Tony and Jeff, with whom I share life. Tony, our current group leader, was out of town and couldn’t lead that evening. So, I stepped in to lead the group. During our meeting, I brought up this thought and movie reference. Jeff, our ultimate recruiter (inside joke ), responded, “Have you ever been in a room when someone passes away? It wasn’t because of a lack of oxygen.” This original thought lingers: “Do you think that’s air you’re breathing?”

I share this to conclude. Regardless of your identity, beliefs, or what you hold dear, it’s the mighty and majestic creator of all things, including you, who gives life. The Heavenly Father is the reason you breathe today. The air or oxygen you think you’re breathing is the breath of life given from the Heavenly Father.

Next Step:

Imagine the Heavenly Father kneeling beside you, breathing life into your nostrils. How does this image resonate with you, and do you honor the breath that has been given to you?

God bless you, God keep you. God loves you and I love you too!