Liturgy: Two Breaths

Breath, in Scripture, is often the metaphor for showing what animates someone. God’s breath animates the forces of creation in Genesis 1–2. The Holy Spirit is the animating guide for early Jesus followers in the New Testament.

A statue breathing out air bubbles under water
Home News & Events Stories

What is the King’s Liturgy? King’s Liturgy defines our experience together as a Christian community. It outlines the rhythms we celebrate with the Church at large: Scripture readings, Sabbath habits, and celebration of Holy Days and historical events.

This Week’s Lectionary Readings
Isaiah 42:1-9
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
Psalm 29

This week’s liturgy is contributed by Dru Johnon, Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies:

The difference between leaders worth serving and those under whom we suffer is often what animates them. When I was in graduate school, I often found myself animated by a deep and insecure desire to be the smartest person in the room. As a father, I have shamefully been animated by how I want people to perceive my children. In my private thoughts, I have been animated by the lifeless idea of people knowing who I am and recognizing my genius. As ridiculous and contorted as these are, they sometimes fueled me, even some good things in which I’ve been involved.

Breath, in Scripture, is often the metaphor for showing what animates someone. God’s breath animates the forces of creation in Genesis 1–2. The Holy Spirit is the animating guide for early Jesus followers in the New Testament. In our Isaiah reading this week, God makes a stark comparison: idols have no animation, but I Myself animate My Servant.

Behold! Idols are all a delusion, they can do nothing!
Their metal images are an empty breath!
Behold, my servant, in whom my being delights,
I have put my breath in him! (Isaiah 41:29–42:1; Dru’s English Version)

Of course, The Servant here is later found out to be Jesus. In this season of Epiphany, we celebrate the revealing of God’s plan through Jesus to us—the nations! But I cannot help but notice that God’s plan is delightful (a word I rare use) precisely because it is animated and served out by God Himself.

Behold humans of TKC, I often delight in the multiple idols I arrest and resurrect in my image. They are always a delusion or a confused version of what God has asked of me. My privilege as a professor slips into a soapbox. My gift of a spouse glides into a token relationship that I feel I’ve deserved. My wonderful parents fall into the category of people who still ought to be disposed to serve me, their son (rather than the other way round).

Our Prayer:
Behold! God help us as you’ve promised—this week and semester—
to find delight in Your plan,
to be animated by your Holy Spirit rather than lusts,
and to serve your Son—our delightful king!—
rather than our own breathless idolatries.  Amen.


View more stories about: