It’s not more knowledge that we need, but more revelation in the knowledge we have.
The most empowering aspect of personal revelation is that it is personal, and specific to our own circumstances. Once received it becomes the property of the recipient and serves as a filter by which many decisions and actions are made.
Personal revelation is not an opinion, but a conviction. It is a divine intervention at the heart of the matter. It is the eureka moment that links all the angles and options to one central hub of inspirational thought.
Such revelation appeals to the mind, yet it is actually conceived in the heart within the eyes of our understanding. Ephesians 1:18 says, “I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints”.
Knowledge is not supreme, understanding is; which is why the psalmist and Solomon asked God for an understanding heart: “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:34.
“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” 1 Kings 3:9.
Wisdom is applied understanding and revelation; it is the initiator and facilitator.
Bartimaeus was an example of seeing with the heart. Here was a man who perceived revelation and insight, whilst those standing around Jesus could not. The eyes of his understanding looked beyond to what his natural faculties could not see.
As He [Jesus] went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you? The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10:46-52.
What inspired Bartimaeus to action was motivated from within. What stopped Jesus in his path was a cry from the heart. We conceive the seed of hope in our heart, but revelation brings it to birth and sustains its growth.
The worldly perception of revelation is smarter thinking, more knowledge or study, whereas believers understand that it is more time spent in the presence of God, more time in communion with the living Word and the author of all life. What makes us unique is not our intelligence or problem solving skills, but the presence of God in us and with us.
“And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ Then he said to Him, ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.’” Exodus 33:14-16
Revelation often defies logic, circumstances, reasoning. It is irrevocable against all contrary facts or opinion. When the presence of God moves, we move.
Revelation rarely comes when we demand it, but when we prioritise and give priority to the source of revelation. Personal revelation creates substance and action. When faced with crowded opposition, it cries from the heart. Yet another blind man in scripture understood personal revelation: “Once I was blind, but now I see.” John 9:25. The inner conviction of the heart overrules the argument of the soul.
Perhaps the greatest and most powerful personal revelation we can have is that of Jesus being both Saviour and Lord. When we have experienced this revelation, the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened and we will see things from a totally new perspective. When we know the source of all revelation, we have access to insight.
It’s not more knowledge that we need, but more revelation in the knowledge we have.
Blessings
Tony McKeown