When you read the Bible, has there been a time when you learn something new? God, through the power of the Holy Spirit gives revelation. He can turn the light on in your heart with this new revelation and give understanding that shocks you. Wow! I get excited when that happens to me.
Living Word Revelation
When I get new revelation, I begin to understand what God means when He says His word is living. Hebrews 4:12“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”[1]
When John went to the empty tomb God did something special in his heart. John 20:3 Peter and the other disciple (John) started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.[2] The Spirit gives revelation.
Revelation of the Resurrection
Jesus had repeatedly told the disciples that He would rise from the dead. But this didn’t make sense to John until He saw the empty tomb. Then, through the work of the Holy Spirit, he began to understand. What does this tell us about God?God loves to give us insight, revelation and understanding just at the right time and the right place for His purpose.
When the Lord gives us revelation it helps us to grow in faith because God has a greater plan for our lives than we know. Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [3]
Revelation of God’s Will
Think of the greater plan the Lord had for the Apostle John. It was necessary that the Lord open his heart so he could see and believe. In the same way, God has a wonderful plan for you. It will be beyond your wildest dreams. Psalm 139:16You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”[4]
To hear more about the encounter Mary had with the resurrected Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-mary
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.