Revelation

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8 NIV.

Books find me when I need them the most. As I am some distance from an affirming church, my spiritual exploration and subsequent growth is often aided by the Holy Spirit providing the right books at the right time. Often they serve as a follow-up to a lesson learnt or provide a clarifying illustration of a recently perceived Divine truth. Spiritual insights can come by a direct revelation through the Spirit, in a wordless, sightless, soundless flash of knowing. A rare illumination of a life enhancing spiritual principle, with a clarity that makes sunlight seem comparatively dull. So it was in a bookshop in Brighton - that nanosecond of revelation as my hand out stretched to browse the books.

Before discovering the bookshop, I had brunch in a cafe with a senior colleague. We sat under a picture of Ganesha, the elephant headed Hindu god, who symbolises the overcoming of obstacles, wisdom and strength, and new beginning. Like the Magi, who perceived the significance of Christ, here was a spiritual ambassador from a differing faith tradition, with a message of good portend. His image signified a renewed intake of confirming and affirming Breath as the sensing finger of God healed a tender spot. I bought two books on inner spiritual practice. One exploring spiritual awakening through an understanding of revelation and symbolism within Hinduism and the second, written by a Rabbi, on the sacred art of lovingkindness.

I was in a reflective mood and challenged to expand my understanding of the characteristics and behaviour of one made in the image of God. I was mindful of the need to continually work towards embodying the likeness of God in daily encounters and relations with the world. Not so much a meditation on the “what” but on “how” and “why” as played out in practice. I truly believe that I, like everyone else, is made in the image of God and that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. How then, must I reflect this understanding in my relationships with others? Are we not all physical receptacles for the indwelling presence of God? The Rabbi wrote,

God is all; there is nothing else. When you speak, you are speaking to God. When you act, you are acting as God’s agent…To know this requires discipline. Discipline of speech, speaking gently. Discipline of deed, acting graciously and with respect. Discipline of thought, visualising God in and as all things.

My sense of “falling short of the glory of God” is not false humility or self incrimination. It is a healthy recognition of the need to be conscious of my own imperfections and to move on to greater emotional and spiritual maturity. Every human encounter is an encounter with the Divine that requires that I give my very best. Anything less devalues the sacredness of God with us.

As you have therefore received Christ, even Jesus the Lord, so walk, regulate your lives and conduct yourselves in union with and conformity to Him…For in Him the whole fullness of Deity, the Godhead, continues to dwell in bodily form giving complete expression of the divine nature. And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life in Christ, you too are filled with the Godhead - Father, Son and Holy Spirit… Colossians 2:6-7,9-10 Amplified (edited)

May the Holy Spirit of God continue to bless with revelations that calm and empower, when your need is the most.

Rev Caroline Redfearn ©blackpeoplesministries.com 2008

back