The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus in John chapter three is intriguing from so many points of view. Jesus looks at Nicodemus and says, "Do you understand the way wind works? All you know about it is that it is there and that is about it." Well I have to say, we know a little more about the wind, methodologically, than Nicodemus did. We know that wind is the result of pressure gradients in the atmosphere (to be simple about it) and such mo
vement and development is the result of temperature variations. The product is wind. And does it blow in West Texas.The wind in West Texas is strong and consistent. It is the second windiest place in the country according to story. (The first is in South Dakota somewhere. Same source.) This consistency has changed the landscape of West Texas. As I drive there are fewer and fewer miles where one cannot see the virtually ubiquitous wind turbine.
The wind turbine, that generates electricity, is an engineering marvel, an aesthetic curiosity and a landscape frustration all at the same time. Driving through a wind turbine field makes one profoundly aware of the wind. Blades facing into the wind, adjusted for maximum efficiency create power and give life to people and communities up to hundreds and thousands of miles away.
These turbines are designed to reach maximum output at only 13 meters per second. If the wind is stronger, the unit is designed to turn at such a rate so as not to put the turbine at risk. On the other end of the scale, these turbines can produce electricity with winds at only 6 meters per second. That's not much wind in order to supply energy.
There are two problems with this system for creating energy, notwithstanding aesthetic and land usage considerations. The first of these two problem occurs when there is no wind at all. The blades stop turning. This did happen last year. While there is a provision in design for this, there was a real concern about the length of inactivity. Fortunately, the wind kicked up again and the turbines came to life.
The second problem, which is being resolved by the wind energy industry, is the number of transmission lines. In other words, there aren't enough connections with the outside world relative to the amount of energy being generated. While there is life in those turbines, the energy is not getting out the way it could in the amount that it could.
That got me to be thinking about John 3:8 when Jesus speaks of the Spirit being as the wind, and then John 3:16 where we are assured of God's love for us. In addition to that, we are reminded in John 10:10 the Jesus came "that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
What wonderful insights and promises we have here. The breakdown begins when the Word is ignored and equivocated. God's Word is that through which the Spirit moves in our lives and in our churches. Not hearing the Word or reading the Word is like a day without the wind in West Texas. The blades won't turn and life begins to drain away. The Spirit is not a capricious thing that comes and goes on a whim. God's Spirit moves powerfully through the church by the promises of the Gospel given in God's Word. He is there as our ears are turned to hear.
But a second problem is also apparent. Many congregations lack the transmission lines to communities both near and far. We have been given the task to approach our world with the Gospel. We have been commanded to build ways by which the promise of life is communicated to those who do not know or trust in Jesus. To follow the metaphor of the wind turbines in West Texas, the church has more strength, more giftedness, more power, more life than it has the ability or willingness to communicate to those who need and want it desperately.
It is time for the church to build numerous transmission lines into our communities. It is time for congregations to look for new ways to deliver the message of the Gospel to those who do not know or trust in Christ. The Spirit of God is there, ready to move into the community through the connections you make as you are in the Word.
