Eyes Open to Revelation

Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry on earth, drew into fellowship twelve disciples. For three years these men walked closely with the Lord. Eleven of the disciples bent their ears to His teachings and later their knees to His will. They saw their Teacher perform miracles day after day and they listened to His wisdom under the stars each night. Their lives were filled with the Lord's work; ministering to the thousands of bodies in order to draw out their souls. Countless sought His touch and many chose to follow Jesus...until He asked them to see His glory.

The twelve stuck by His side until His ministry in flesh was finished on Calvary. Still, the apostles understanding of who Jesus was remained veiled until the Light of the World conquered the grave. Following His Resurrection, the Lord stood among his followers and granted them sight, curing their spiritual blindness.

Revelation comes from God. Only God in His time and for His purpose reveals Himself to us. Only when we seek God will we truly see Him. Consider how two men explore Yosemite National Park: One sees the work of glaciers and evolution, the other beholds the creativity and artistry of our holy Creator. The first sees the product, the second sees the source. Still, it is the power of the Lord which pulls back the veil and grants us a view of His splendor.

Nothing we do can bring about revelation. Like forgiveness, visions of the Almighty are gifts given to believers. For example on the road to Emmaus, two followers of Jesus were blessed with the Lord's fellowship, though Christ did not immediately reveal His presence. "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him," (Luke 24:15-16).

The Lord walked with these men nearly seven miles listening to their down cast spirits as they shared the events of dawn at the empty tomb. Jesus explained the purpose of the events and still they did not respond to their "burning" hearts in his presence, (Luke 24:32). Their doubt and depression blinded them to the presence of God.

I believe Christians can walk with Jesus and not recognize him at our side. We travel as though we are alone on our journey. Though Jesus is always with us, I believe our relationship with Him determines how often we see Him or notice His work in our lives. Intimacy removes the veil and affords seekers beautiful visions of God.

Why the game of hide and seek? I believe this mystery is addressed with; "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs," (Matthew 6:19). The Herod's of this world do not seek the glory of God to praise him, they are looking for a thrill. The Lord sees their hearts and knows they will never humble themselves and accept His love. Why then would Jesus reveal His glory to them? Rather, He saves revelation for those who earnestly seek Him and long to abide in His presence. Jesus himself pleaded with the Father on this matter;

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world," (John 17:24).

Therefore, the heart that is devoted to and pursues intimacy with Jesus will behold His glory.

Still, revelation is but the first part of the salvation experience; conversion is the goal. Oswald Chambers admonishes Christians to "receive" that which God has packaged in Christ so that our conversion may be evident. The second step is to receive the gift of forgiveness. It is one thing to acknowledge and accept the gift and another to actually apply it. This step Oswald claims in "My Utmost for His Highest", is rarely done in the body of believers. If forgiveness was truly received by every Christian the outpouring of benefits and servants brought on through gratitude and adoration would be powerful. The reputation of the Church less tainted in the eyes of the world. Unfortunately, pews are filled with people who see; church-as an obligation, serving-something others should do, need-someone else's responsibility and tithing-as optional. Yet, God tells us in His word; "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead," (James 2:26). Likewise; "The harvest is plenty but the workers are few," (Matthew 9:37). Lord Jesus forgive us our weaknesses, for we know not what we do.

Interestingly, Jesus only took three of the twelve to the summit to witness His glorious transfiguration. I believe this speaks of degrees of revelation to Christians. To those faithful with little, the Lord will give more, (Matthew 26:6). Thus those who through thanksgiving and love, dedicate their lives back to the Father are blessed with more details of God's plan.

I believe I was denied deeper revelation of God's glory as a new Christian because I was caught up in the ways and worries of the world. I had accepted Jesus as my Savior, but I had not truly received his forgiveness. My wounded heart held me captive until prompted by Beth Moore's bible study, Breaking Free, and therapy, I broke the bondage the enemy stifled my spiritual growth with. Since my healing, I have experienced intimacy with the Lord I never knew possible. The more I seek Him, the more he reveals Himself to me. The more I surrender myself to His will and the plan He has for my life, the more I discover my true calling; to love others and share God's message of truth with them. Oswald says, the surrendered, serving spirit is our evidence of a sincere conversion, (Oswald January 10th). It took me a while to get there but I believe I am walking down the center of His path for me.

According to Oswald, "In sanctification, the one who has been born again deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself entirely with God's ministry to others," (Oswald January 10th). It has become evident to me that God is lifting the veil in my life. Praying for His eyes and heart are yielding fruit I feared I would never produce. Most importantly, my level of intimacy with the Lord is growing. I've come to realize seeing God's glory is recognizing the role of Jesus and His purposed for me. I have kingdom work to do. My sanctification (as well yours) is worked out through my desire to accept his plan wholeheartedly, and join Him in service.(Oswald, Jan.10th). This very blog is fruit of my relationship and a tool in my ministry of service. Oh, how I pray more of you Lord, less of me!