We encounter God for a divine purpose according to God’s plan. The mode of encounter is many and may differ from one person or situation to another. No matter the mode of encounter, God has a purpose or a message in every encounter. We want to discuss the group encounters with God and the messages or instructions which ensued in their respective discourse.
The men of Emmaus encountered Jesus
In Luke 24: 13-40 after Jesus had been crucified a stranger joined two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus discussing the death of Jesus. On reaching Emmaus, the two men invited the stranger into their home to join them for a meal. At the table Luke 24: 31 says their eyes were opened and they recognized him (Jesus); and he vanished out of their sight.
Jesus joined the two men for a reason. He expounded the scripture to their understanding when they were confused with the truth when they were eager to know more of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2: 7 says think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. Only God expounds his word and not man and when he does so, he gladdens our hearts. 1 Chronicles 16: 10; Psalms 105: 3 say glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Referring to the word, Psalms 19: 10 says it is more to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Jesus wants us to have a teachable spirit, a humble mind and common purpose to search his word. 1 Peter 3: 8 says finally brethren, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. We live the word being hospitable and kind to strangers and the needy. Hebrews 13:2 says do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Disciples’ encounter with an angel in prison
Peter and the apostles were cast in prison for preaching the word. Whilst in prison, Acts 5: 10-20 say at midnight an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life. God released them to continue with his business to show that Jesus is the final jailer of our souls and has the keys. He came to set the captives and the oppressed free, Luke 4: 18.
God referred to his word as the word of this Life to be preached under God’s release. Jesus said in John 6: 63 the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. God wants us to preach his word of life under his release. 1 Corinthians 2: 2 says for I have decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. God released them at midnight when hope of their release was doubtful. God showed that in our darkest hour he can intervene. It is not too late to trust God’s word of life.
Apostles’ encounter with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
In Act 2: 1-9 when the Apostles and other believers were all gathered in one place on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit descended suddenly upon them with a sound from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind. There appeared on them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them comprising Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven and they began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The encounter with God’s Holy Spirit fulfilled Jesus’ promise. It showed God’s special gift to all mankind who believed in him irrespective of race or colour. It was for the purpose of uttering mysteries in the spirit to edify his church and not as the only sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. We must not use the same tongue to speak with unbridled language. Matthew 12:36 says I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter.
The tongue is for praising God and not dishing out curses and insults. We need the Pentecostal Holy Spirit to control the tongue by divine cleansing. James 3:8 it says that no human being can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Let the Pentecostal fire rest on us to speak the truth and the word of life as worthy ambassadors of Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we invite your Holy Spirit to take its place in our lives and help us to speak your word of life. Please give us release in the spirit to continue with your business as you may instruct. In our darkest nights, visit us with your presence which gives us light and peace. Give us teachable hearts to search your word so we may be ever present in your sight. Wash and baptize us in your spirit, Amen!!
