Voices in the Winds

 

5 min. read 

Part 7 of the Challenges series 

                             The Wind                                        

                                    by
                  Robert Louis Stevenson

I saw you toss the kites on high
And blow the birds about the sky;
And all around I heard you pass,
Like ladies' skirts across the grass--
        O wind, a-blowing all day long,
        O wind, that sings so loud a song!

I saw the different things you did,
But always you yourself you hid.
I felt you push, I heard you call,
I could not see yourself at all--
       O wind, a-blowing all day long,
       O wind, that sings so loud a song!

O you that are so strong and cold,
O blower, are you young or old?
Are you a beast of field and tree,
Or just a stronger child than me?
      O wind, a-blowing all day long,
      O wind, that sings so loud a song!

          A Child's Garden of Verses, 1885

               (Poem in the public domain)

(John 3:8)

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Jesus himself, who taught many times in parables, in John 3 uses the wind to explain the miracle of the new birth to Nicodemus. The instruction comes by way of using something that Nicodemus does understand; to help him come to the understanding of the spiritual things that he doesn't.

Man has long realized the power of nature to instruct and guide in the areas of life concerning his existence. This particular poem by Robert Louis Stevenson can be found in the collection "A Child's Garden of Verses". Published in 1885, it has been referred to as one of most influential literary works in history. We see from the website www.robert-louis-stevenson.org

"A Child's Garden of Verses is a book of poetry for children. Stevenson dedicated the poems to his nurse Cummy (Alison Cunningham), who cared for him during his many childhood illnesses. The collection includes some of Stevenson's most famous poems, including “The Land of Counterpane”, “My Shadow and “The Lamplighter”. Of course, the above poem, "The Wind" is included in the collection also.

There is certainly nothing at all wrong with the concept of using nature to teach children. As a matter of fact, God's word is rife with that concept. We see creation mentioned throughout scripture as a method that God uses to teach man about his Creator.

(Psalm 19:1)
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

We see Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans, describing that those who chose to disregard nature and creation as a testament to God's existence and glory, were thereby without excuse. Mankind will not be able to use ignorance as a defense on the day of judgment.

(Romans 1:19-20)
"because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

As we continue the Challenges series, we will continue going somewhat deeper into how Mysticism has taken a foothold in the doctrine that is being taught in many churches. As previously mentioned, it has crept in gradually and initially had taken a seat on the back row. One of the major tools it has employed to slide in the backdoor, has been through the ministry of music.

The old, doctrinally correct hymns, are being replaced by "songs" that appeal more to the fleshly pampering of the soul.
The songs, in and of themselves, would not be so dangerous were it not for the fact that along with the introduction of this music, come the winds of Mysticism.

For the sake of time, we'll go into more detail later about the reasons these comments about music have been introduced. Mysticism blowing in on the winds of worship. Suffice it to say at this point, that many of the mainstream artists involved in modern worship music, are themselves heavily influenced by the teachings of Eastern mysticism. As the case is with the devices of the enemy that Paul spoke of, they look harmless enough on the surface.

With the many and varied voices in the winds of humanity, it is very easy to be blown off course spiritually. Let's endeavor to allow the wind to continue to be a teacher, but let us look to the word of God for that "still small voice".

(Ephesians 4:14)
"that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

(Nahum 1:3)
"The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

(1 Kings 19:12)
"and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

Let me close the same way the Apostle Paul does in his Epistle to the Romans. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen