By Joe Castillo, Sent in by Barbara Anable, *Look below for the story behind the drawing
“And will manifest myself to him.” —John 14:21
The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God who could testify the truth of it from their own experience. They have had manifestations of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a peculiar manner, such as no mere reading or hearing could afford. In the biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances recorded in which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner to speak to their souls, and to unfold the wonders of his person; yea, so have their souls been steeped in happiness that they have thought themselves to be in heaven, whereas they were not there, though they were well nigh on the threshold of it–for when Jesus manifests himself to his people, it is heaven on earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun. Especial manifestations of Christ exercise a holy influence on the believer’s heart. One effect will be humility. If a man says, “I have had such and such spiritual communications, I am a great man”, he has never had any communion with Jesus at all; for “God hath respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” He does not need to come near them to know them, and will never give them any visits of love. Another effect will be happiness; for in God’s presence there are pleasures for evermore. Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never had this manifestation. Some men profess a great deal; but we must not believe anyone unless we see that his deeds answer to what he says. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” He will not bestow his favours upon the wicked: for while he will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he respect an evil doer. Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus–humility, happiness, and holiness. May God give them to thee, Christian!
Charles H. Spurgeon, taken from Morning and Evening
http://www.answersingenesis.org/devotions/devotions.asp
*The gentleman who drew this is Joe Castillo. He went to Asbury Theological Seminary. He did this during a chapel service. It was fascinating – he told the Gospel story – each part of Jesus’ life – and he was drawing the story as he told the story. We didn’t realize until the end what the entire picture was. A rare talent! The ‘longer’ you look at this picture, the ‘more’ you see. Look at the lines the artist used to draw this picture of Christ… It is of scenes from Christ’s life. (Hold the ctrl and + keys down at the same time to zoom in on the picture, then ctrl and – keys to bring the size back to original)
Wings of the Wind 