Almost Epiphany

Have you ever felt like you were on the verge of an epiphany: that revelation of magnanimous proportion that would rock your's and everybody else's lives, yet you can't seem to break through? It is a love/hate thing for me when I feel that way.

Somewhere out there in the recesses of my pondering might just be something really cool. On the flip side is the shroud that falls on the feeling like a curtain plummeting onto some poor sap of a performer that should never even walk near the stage, much less on it.

Some might consider the conversion of the Apostle Paul an epiphany, however Paul's claim to Apostleship found in Acts as well as II Corinthians describes an encounter with God beyond some sort of vision. He had a face-to-face encounter with Jesus. Though I am not a theologian, I can only imagine that Paul's stint in the desert involved further encounters, though this notion is dimly alluded to. However, few can argue against the magnitude of impact that Paul's experience has had on the world.

In a blog I read about epiphanies, the author had lit into someone for overuse of the word because the word represented something sacred to him. A comparison to an igniting sculpture bearing the name "Epiphany" was made. The author claimed that such rare occasions of visions of gods should be reverenced.

However, such sacred events should be common for the believer who dwells in the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit teaches us and enlightens us concerning The Truth. Jesus talked about this prior to his ascension. This was truly evidenced shortly after on the day of Pentecost as Peter preached, and further as these simple minded disciples literally rocked the known world; in many cases one by one.

So, how do we receive these spiritual encounters regularly? We posture ourselves in a place to hear God's voice. It is a daily search into His mysteries that He desires to share with us with the Holy Spirit as the Inboard professor. We saturate are minds with the Bible, then pray for revelation.

If that is all it takes, than why is it so hard? The reason is clearly connected to my analogy of what it feels like to lose that feeling. When should a believer feel worthless? The answer is easier than the belief: never. Why, because Jesus said when we accept him as Lord we become joint heirs with him. A pauper that finds out he is an heir to the throne will carry himself differently, unless he doesn't fully believe it.

According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." The interesting thing about this verse is that he didn't say he couldn't see or didn't know at all. No, while we walk out our life, God's mysteries are being made known to those postured to hear His voice. But...one day, it is all going to be clear as we are in His presence.

What's an epiphany? For a non-believer I am not sure. For the believer however, it might just be the same small voice that spoke to to Elijah or Samuel of old trying to get your attention. He just wants your glass a little less dark.