Sometimes, we believe that YHWH God does not show Himself. We ask to see and understand, but due to our blindness we fail to see His Mighty Hand. Though at times, His presence is very clear. Do we look forward to those times? Do we remember those times?
As we continue to visit Abraham’s journey as well as others listed in Genesis and 2 Kings, I would like to challenge you to recount the blessings you received when Yahweh appeared to you. As you do so, consider His appearance may have occurred more than you think.
VaYera or “And He Appeared” is how Genesis 18 begins. We read:
“Now the Lord appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.” (Gen. 18:1)
The obvious question from the text begs us to ask, “who is he and how did he appear?
In the Lexical Concordance we find that “appear” – mar’eh, a masculine Hebrew verb that means favored form, goodly, to look upon, or countenance. Then in the Strong Concordance, we find the word “appear” is ra’ah, also masculine, which is the act of seeing, real and handsome shape, a beautiful countenance. In coming to this understanding, I do believe we might know who “He” is.
“For God, who said, “light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Yeshua. 2 Cor. 4:6
“Many ask, ‘Who can show us the good?’ Shine the light of Your face upon us, O Lord.” Ps. 4:6
When considering the who, you may also ask a couple more questions. 1) Since no one can see God the Father face to face (Ex. 33:20), is it His Son that does show His face? 2) Yeshua said himself, I come as a two-edged sword. And in John 3, we also find the Yeshua comes as judge as well as a Savior.
Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God (the word being Yeshua, John 1:1), is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
So, with these questions and comments in mind, can you consider the many dimensions of Yeshua when He appears and how His appearances can challenge you? Do you believe his appearance is there to make a difference and encourage you towards Kingdom work? Consider the following examples:
- Yeshua shows Himself as a keeper of a covenant promise. Abraham and Sarah had not had their own child even after being told they would. At age 90 & 100, they are finally told the promise made to them would be fulfilled. Why wait so long to fulfill this promise? Should we consider God’s timing and not ours?
- Yeshua shows Himself as a ruler with all nations as a footstool. Hagar is told that she too would have many nations. Is there a reason for God to direct this type of prophecy and are we able to trust Him with the results of many nations and not just one or two?
- Yeshua seeks even those unworthy. We see this is in King Abimelech’s dream. As a pagan, Abimelech hears the Word of the Lord and responds. Should we expect God to be limited?
- Yeshua seeks to listen to our inward desires. Sarah is asked, “why do you laugh?” Rather than condemning Sarah for doing so, it seems that Sarah is affirmed and understood. Has there been a time when you too have had doubts about the text, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” Can you remember who understood you?
- Yeshua shows Himself as both judge and Savior. This is clearly displayed in the story of Sodom. On appearing to Abraham, there are questions and answers in whether or not Sodom will be destroyed. What does this mean to us? I believe it gives clear evidence that we too can dialogue with the King of Kings like Abraham in regards to saving those who do not know Him.
- Yeshua causes us to remember Holy promises. In Abrahams life, it was the covenant of circumcision which displayed the acceptance of blood, while accepting a cutting away of our flesh (old man). For us, under a better covenant, Yeshua has circumcised our heart through His death and resurrection.
- In 2 Kings 4, Yeshua appears as a provider and giver of life in the demonstration of continual oil for a poor widow as well as the birth and re-giving of life for the Shunamite woman’s son.
With all this in mind, can you now remember when God appeared to you? Maybe He came as a life-giver when you were down. Maybe that life giver was a person sent to you.
Did He appear as a judge or Savior to you? This might have occurred when you were covered in sin and having to deal with circumstances. Were you judged and saved at the same time? Where you grateful for the wake-up call? King David was—read Psalms 51 to find out his response.
When you felt no one could hear your thoughts, did Yeshua speak to you in a voice that said, “I care.”
In a time when you felt unworthy, did Yeshua show Himself through a vision, dream, or a word from someone close to you? Have you considered that this was an “appearance?”
When you experienced a low point in your life and faith felt unattainable, was oil sent to you to put you back on your feet again? Did someone breath life back into you? Maybe you don’t think it was Yeshua, but how do you know it wasn’t?
My challenge in this week’s blog, is to have you consider the idea that Kingdom life does and will appear. We just might not recognize it as such. We are instructed to give praise in “all” things. Are you ready to sing Hallelujah out loud with thanksgiving? Are you ready to knock, seek, and find?
Be blessed this Sabbath.
Rollyn