An encounter with God means to behold God’s presence. God manifests himself to us in many ways through Christ Jesus, the scriptures, voice, sight, angels, vision, dreams, revelation, etc. Every encounter with God produces a unique experience, a specific instruction or for a special reason at his pleasure. Job 23: 13 says but he is unchangeable and who can turn him? What he desires, that he does.
As we ponder on some of the encounters recorded in the bible, we must open our hearts to the Holy Spirit to lead us into his truth. John 14: 26, but the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Zechariah encounter with an angel
God sent an angel to Zechariah that he was to be the father of John the Baptist when he and his wife were too old biologically to have a child so naturally he disbelieved what God said. Luke 1: 19-20 says and the angel answered him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe the words, which will be fulfilled in their time.
Zachariah’s encounter with the angel brought good news of a son who would be the forerunner of Christ Jesus. Disbelief based on our natural circumstances has divine consequences. Zechariah becomes dumb for disbelieving God. Proverbs 3:5-6 say trust in the Lord always with all your heart, and lean not on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Ours is to trust God and his is to honour his word. Jeremiah 32: 27 says behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? We must not doubt what God says.
Stephen’s sight of Christ Jesus
Stephen was arraigned for propagating the gospel of Christ Jesus. At the trial, Acts 7: 55-56 say but he (Stephen) full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God. Stephen was then cast out of the city and stoned to his death at the feet of Saul.
God allowed Stephen to visualize Jesus Christ in heaven to affirm Jesus’ status in heaven. It was to confirm that Stephen had defended the right course. This gave Stephen the strength for an abiding faith to finish the race for a deserving crown. Matthew 16: 25; Mark 8: 35; Luke 9: 24; 17: 33 say whoever will save his life shall lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Jesus wants us to finish the race for a deserving crown. 2 Timothy 2: 5 says an athlete is not rewarded unless he completes according to the rules. Philippians 4: 13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Cornelius’ vision of an angel
At Caesarea, Cornelius an Italian centurion, an upright, God-fearing and devout man whilst praying saw a vision of an angel of God who said to him in Acts 10: 3-4 your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God (also recorded in Acts 10: 30-31). God will recognize our good deeds and will reward righteousness and good deeds irrespective of where we come from or lineage.
Romans 2: 6-8 say for he (God) will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are factitious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. God is challenging us today to be like Cornelius, upright God-fearing and devout. God will always reward good works. Do not be discouraged if your reward has not arrived. It is on the way and will soon come.
Peter’s vision at Joppa
In Joppa, Peter fell into a trance and God said to him in Acts 10: 15; 19-29… what God has cleansed, you must not call common… And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him…. rise and go down, and accompany them without hesitation; for I have sent them. (Also in Acts 11: 7-9) God’s purpose for this vision was a message of non-discrimination in God’s business no matter the person.
We are sometimes hesitant to help others whom we fear or hate for some reasons. Peter said in Acts 10: 34-35 truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. God‘s message was against procrastination, endemic favoritism or discrimination in attending to God’s business. We must make the best for Christ Jesus at every opportunity. Ephesians 5: 15-16 say look carefully at how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Tomorrow has its own set of rules.
Paul’s encounter on Damascus road
Acts 9: 3-6 said of Paul: as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And he (Saul) said, who are you Lord? And he (Jesus) said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.
God purposed to confirm to the world that any wrong done against his true church was against him. Christ and his church are one and inseparable for Christ is the head of his church. We persecute Jesus when we engage in any hostile activity which does not edify the church or honour Christ. Job 39: 35 says shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He, who argues with God, let him answer it. God also showed that he knows all our plans, thoughts and whereabouts every moment of our lives.
Matthew 16: 18 says… the powers of death shall not prevail against it. What life are we living against God? Paul became a minister of the gospel to the Gentiles, what is our task for Jesus? We must take our encounter with God seriously if we are to make it in eternity. God’s grace may cease one day.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, please open our eyes, minds, ears and hearts to take you seriously when we encounter you or your presence in any way. For our indolence and neglect in stubbornness, please forgive us and restore us in your precious blood. Give us a refreshing encounter again for a new life in you. By your grace help us to apply your instructions. See us through to the end in your holy name, Amen!!
