Receiving revelation from God is a gift of the Holy Spirit that indwells every believer. As Philip shared the Good News about Jesus with the Ethiopian eunuch, something began to stir in his heart. Acts 8:36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. [1]
As Philip taught the eunuch about the Good News of Jesus, he must have mentioned the importance of baptism. The Lord spoke through Philip, but the Holy Spirit gave the eunuch spiritual insight. The Ethiopian sensed God telling him to take the next step, so he asked to be baptized. His faith was affirmed when he came out of the water, as the Holy Spirit snatched Philip away.
Not every person hears from God in the same way. When the Holy Spirit speaks to us, it seems like inner thoughts, not in a spoken language. God may speak through His word, visions, dreams, or other ways the Lord wishes to communicate.
Humbling Ourselves
Just as the eunuch responded to the work of the Holy Spirit to be baptized, we can also begin to hear His voice. John tells us in Revelation 3:20, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”[2]Receiving revelation from the Lord results in intentionally inviting Him into our daily lives.
This requires humility and Scripture gives insight to this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.[3]
God will not force Himself on us, which is why humility is necessary. Revelation from the Lord is built on a relationship with our Savior, not information about Him. When we have a deep relationship with someone, we begin to understand their needs, which only develops over time. Our relationship with the Lord is the same way. We can seek the Lord and ask Him to speak as we pray.
Making Space for God
As we seek the Lord, we must give Him space to speak to us. Samuel had to give God room to speak. 1 Samuel 3:9 Eli told him, if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’ [4] As we ask the Lord to speak to us, we must believe He will speak. Asking and seeking revelation from the Lord is the work of faith. It requires faith to believe a God we can’t see can listen.
To learn more about receiving revelation from God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/philip-and-the-ethiopian
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.