Revelation

John 16:12,"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

We must recognize the element of revelation in our relationship with God. We will experience competing doctrines and theories in our search for Truth. It is only through Divine revelation that we can know Truth. There is a difference in a doctrine of error and an absence (lack) of understanding. God understands our lack of comprehension but He expects believers to seek after the Truth. God responses to the hungry seeker by opening our understanding through the work of the Holy Ghost. Jesus' promise to His disciples was that when He, the Spirit of Truth is come He will teach you the truth and will inform you of the things which are to come. John 16:13

Revelation is a personal experience. A revelation may impact one person or a great number of people or generations of people. For instance when the angel of the Lord announced the birth of the Messiah to lowly shepherds in Luke 2, they were few in number out in an isolated area. Luke 2:8, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” The revelation was a personal experience. We can say that because they had a visual experience and it had an effect on them. V9, “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” Not only was this a personal experience but also and emotional experience. And as with most revelations from God this experience was accompanied by awe and reverence. In some instances when God reveals Himself to us, we respond in utter disbelief that this could be happening. The only think I can think of is, “WOW, WOW, WOW.” No doubt they were paralyzed with fear. But God always comforts (to give strength and hope) and reassures (to make feel less afraid, upset, or doubtful) when we recognize (to know and remember because of previous knowledge or experience) Him and respond properly (so that it is right, true, proper, etc..).

So, what is the proper way to respond to a revelation from God. In Holy Reverence and Submission. Isaiah comes to mind in Isaiah 6 as he saw the Lord sitting on His throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. He responded with Holy Reverence as he fell upon his face as he realized that he was in the presence of the Lord God Jehovah. I expect that the shepherds responded in much the same way, falling upon their faces in fear at this supernatural display.

How did this heavenly messenger from God respond to the fear of the shepherds? V10, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” God's revelation brings good tidings to all who will receive them. The revelation began with the shepherds but did not stop there because God had a greater plan, “which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The message began with the lowly shepherds but the revelation has gone all over the world to as many as would embrace its TRUTH.

During the course of our study we will examine revelations from God which carry warnings, judgment and woe. We must respond to God's revelation in the appropriate manner. The shepherds did just that. V 15, “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us god even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” God will validate and confirm His message. But we must be willing to pursue after Truth. More often than not, God's revelation comes in steps, short messages, small pieces. In my experience it has been much like a puzzle. Piece by piece you find its place until you can see the complete picture.

The shepherds pursued after the revelation the angels delivered. V16, “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” This was confirmation of what the angel had told them. When God confirms His Truth, there is always an expected result. V17, “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child. 18, And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19, But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” The revelation was a personal experience to the shepherds in so much that the encounter compelled them to seek the truth of the revelation. When God confirmed the truth of the revelation the expected result was that they would share. Their experience compelled them to tell others the message. The greater circle or larger group that heard the message “wondered at those things that were told them.” The Bible doesn't elaborate on the affect this celestial declaration had upon the general public. But we can conclude with certainty that those who pursued truth experienced revelation. “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” The wonder of the many was a transient emotion which come and go with the ebb and flow of the tide of life. But this recollecting and brooding of Mary was an abiding habit. Mary had already experienced revelation. This was not her first encounter with the Divine. Nine months earlier she had received a celestial visitor and that is where her journey had begun. So now she ponders in faith as her heart reaches for the promise. Revelation is a heart thing. May the Holy Spirit create a hunger in us for Truth that the revelation of God in us will reach in faith for His promise which is laid before us.