Today around the Christian world, the Feast of Epiphany is celebrated. Many American Protestants aren’t familiar with this day, but I think its original purpose provides thought value for us. The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches, and is a commemoration of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and the visit of the Magi (“Wise Men”, or Persian priests.) Epiphany, as you probably know, means “a revelatory manifestation of a divine being, providing a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.” It was tied by the early church fathers (in 361 & 380 AD) to the word “theophany” for the same day. Theophany means “manifestation of God to man” or “God revealing Himself to man.” When I was in seminary, I was taught that an example of a theophany was the preincarnate Christ appearing in the Old Testament as the Angel of the Lord.
During your lives, as you seek God you are going to have some epiphanies. Each of you will experience them differently. Most of us have these learning experiences through making mistakes and developing hind sight. (Thank goodness for grace!) However there is a better way. In the Bible people dreamed dreams, had visions, or revelations. God never communicated with me that way, He just left a very strong impression or understanding as if He was speaking without talking. It was usually after a period of fasting and or intensely focused prayer based on a need I presented to Him, or Him answering by closing doors He didn’t want me to walk through. Those epiphanies came at critical times in my life when there was a necessity and desire to effect change. In passages like Luke 11:5 – 10, Matthew 15:21- 28 and Mark 7:24 – 30 Christ illustrates that we should pursue God for the knowledge, change, or desires of our heart relentlessly and with a strong passion to be heard and answered.
I can’t think of anyone who would not love to have a conversation with God so we could ask Him what we should do about this or that. But that is seeking His hand and not His face (heart.) Since God does not favor one person above another, I would think He would be more responsive to those “. . . who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6b) Kids, I honestly believe with all my heart that epiphanies are there for the asking. You must be passionate and unrelenting in the process if you want it to happen. Here is what helps me. First, write down the request. Second, post reminders (to pray) that will catch your attention in areas that you spend most of your time. Third, the request should always be a part of your prayers through the day, regardless of how many times you pray. Fourth, search your life to see if there is something that might inhibit the request (like frustration or a disagreement with a family member) or your reason for asking (“You want what you don’t have . . . Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” James 4:2 – 3 NLT) And, lastly, fast until you receive an answer – one way or another. Don’t take your Father’s love for granted. He wants to give you the desires of your heart.
Love Dad