Answer to Bible in the Bubble, First Edition! Limited Awards.

My goodness, I am impressed. Nicely done, Bubble-dwellers! I like the quick responses and enthusiasm I see. :)

The question was (and yes, now I realize that it wasn't actually a question):

There are only TWO times in the entire Bible when God breathes on man. Name them. (And, if you can tell why the events are significant, extra points for you!)

Now, some of you made this more sophisticated than my little pea brain can take (there is a lot of wind blowing and receiving of breath in the Bible), so I am going to go with the active voice, God actively breathing directly onto man. 

The answer is:

The first time was when God breathed on Adam, giving him life. The second time was when the Resurrected Jesus breathed on the Apostles, giving them the power and authority to forgive sins.

"Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." (John 20:21-23).

We are supposed to pay close attention if we see dramatic parallels in Scripture. God breathing directly on a human is remarkable and rare. In the first example from Genesis, the breath of God was life itself.

So when we see this happening again in the second example (the only time Jesus Christ breathes on someone) we should sit up and take notice. As Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon His Apostles, He delegates His own authority to them, empowering them to forgive sins, or even not to forgive them. Pretty astounding, as only God can pardon or retain sins! Yet here Christ authorizes mere men to do so. In fact, we are seeing the establishment of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

To sum up the two events: The first time, God gives life to the human soul. The second time, God delegates the power to restore life to the human soul. 

Beautiful!

Now, to the awards...

First, I am only giving four awards this time, as I was reminded during the last Doctrinal Quiz Show that only liberals give awards to everyone. As Mr. Incredible said so insightfully: “If everyone is special then no one is.” But let me tell you, I must be a closet liberal, because I am dying to give everyone an award!! I guess I'm just a "compassionate conservative."

Second, we have had an infusion of husbands into the Bubble. Men, you are welcome here. We are not leftist feminists, and we like you. And you have proven yourselves to be wise and worthy, honorable and brave. That’s how we like our men.


Third, to Sew, I can't give you the special Sew Award unless you at least show up to play, so just know that I didn't forget you!

And the Bubble Awards go to....

The Your Answer Made Me Chuckle Out Loud And That Doesn’t Happen Often Award goes to Faith Makes Things Possible!

The Um, How Would You Know If Ken Were Cheating When You Weren't Supposed To Read Others' Answers Before You Gave Your Own, So That Means YOU Were Cheating, But I Forgive You Award goes to aka The Mom!


The Going the Extra Mile Award (for trying to send in an answer while recovering in a hospital bed) goes to Megan! Now, that is what I call enthusiasm! 

The Oh Man, He Said That Better Than I Did Award goes to Ann’s husband, R! Although a few other contestants were very close and some even had the right answer, R's was the closest to what I was looking for. And therefore, R wins the GRAND PRIZE!!!! 

Yeah, don't worry, I have a few more, too. Which should motivate everyone for next time!!

See you then, and thanks for playing!