He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. John 14:21
Stop and think – really meditate on – the meaning of “…and manifest Myself to him.” Just for a few moments at least, go beyond the “I will love him,” and consider the manifestation of Jesus Christ… TO YOU!
Let me help.
From Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, manifest (emphanizō) means “to show one’s self, come into view, appear.” Manifest also communicates a sense of declaration and disclosure – the appearance providing a revelation of deeper truth and experience; exactly what we find in Scripture whenever Jesus manifests Himself after His resurrection.
So, as you read the following examples of Jesus manifesting Himself, imagine yourself in the place of those who experienced His real and supernatural presence.
To Mary Magdalene:
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:9
On the Emmaus Road:
So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. Luke 24:15
To the Disciples:
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
On the Damascus Road:
As he [Saul] journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:3-4
To the Apostle John:
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17
Now, here’s the big question: Why wouldn’t we expect Jesus to manifest Himself to us as He did in the people of the First Century? After all, He is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). I mean, seriously, is there any less need for His manifestation in our day than there has ever been?
Why have we muted and minimized our expectations? To avoid disappointment? Surely, hope and faith are more powerful than that!
Is it possible the truth of Jesus’ promise of love and manifestation has gotten away from us, or not been taught in the first place? Except for our salvation, what could be more important? Surely this is not the case; but if it is, shouldn’t we be about letting people know?
Perhaps we have convinced ourselves that the condition – to keep His commandments – is impossible. But that sounds like self-deception, doesn’t it? Is there any such exception to the popular Christian claim, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)?”
Sadly, tragically, a more likely reason for Jesus’ refusal to manifest Himself is our unwillingness to acknowledge and choose the condition. We subconsciously trade the manifestation of Jesus the Christ, in all His glory, for our insignificant independence.
How can we be so stupid? How can I?
Why has it taken so long for me to understand this? Does the self-deception run so deep? Evidently so.
Thankfully, God is not done with us yet; we are all in process. And now that we know…
We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:1-3)?
A close friend once told me that he prays for the Lord to command him. I am starting that practice myself. Please join me. And be sure to share your stories of His manifestation.
God bless you with wisdom, courage, and opportunity to keep His commands.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen