I recently bumped into a programme on TV; I don’t remember the title of the preacher’s message, but some things he said just stuck. He asked a simple question: “Who is Jesus?” He went ahead to state that the answer to the question would depend on a single event. In his opinion, a single event can change the way you answer that question. After that single event, nothing in this world would be able to change your answer because you just know that you know, without a shadow of doubt.
The disciples of Jesus slept and woke up with Him every day as they went about the ministry. No matter how strong your argument may be, it will never change what they learnt from Jesus during those days. That is why John could speak with boldness in 1John 1:1
[We are writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands (AMP)
He was so sure of what he was saying because of that single event – Encounter with the Lord.
In my opinion, that single event today is a personal encounter with the Word of God, or put in another way, a personal revelation into the Word of God (definitely inspired by the Holy Spirit). This personal encounter is obtained at the place of diligent study. It is not obtained by talking about the Word. It is not obtained by knowing the Greek translation of some words in the Word.
The truth is that this encounter may not come from listening to the best teachers of the Word. That is why John 8:32 is very instructive.
Then you will experience for YOURSELVES the truth, and the truth will free you. John 8:32 (MSG)
I intentionally chose to emphasize ‘Yourselves’ because this encounter is essentially between you and the Holy Spirit. The teachers and preachers are essential in our walk, however if you must have that ‘single event’ experience that will make your faith to be cast in stone, you must invest in personal study and prayers. If this encounter is missing, circumstances may bend you into doubting what you previously believed and move you into the realm of rationalising the Word.
You will definitely be tried and tested. When those days come, you will be able to say like Job:
Though he slays me, yet will I trust in him… Job 13:15
And like Habakkuk:
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places… Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19
It all depends on that single event – Personal Word study. His grace is sufficient for you.
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