Many years ago, before I even knew there was a Canarsie Full Gospel Chapel, a member of this congregation worked for the Corrigan Casket Company in downtown Brooklyn. Sister Virginia was a praying woman, filled with the Holy Spirit, and one who had a very precious walk with God. Having prayed about where to work, she sensed that the Lord had sent her there to do more than just sew linings into caskets. One day, alone with God, the thought came to her to witness to the Boss’s wife. Tillie Corrigan was a devout Catholic. Knowing very well that it might cost her her job, Sister Virginia mustered up the courage to share her personal testimony with her. It turns out that not only had God prepared Tillie to receive the Gospel, but her son Michael also invited Christ into his heart, receiving Him as his personal Lord and Savior. Immediately, Virginia began to disciple them. Emphasizing the importance of prayer, she instructed them to set time aside daily to wait on God. “But what should we pray during that time?” asked Michael. Virginia took a piece of paper and wrote down five simple words … “JESUS, REVEAL YOURSELF TO ME.” “Pray this” she said.
Twice in Luke 9 the disciples observed Jesus praying. The first had a transforming effect on them; the second had a transforming effect on Him. It might not be amiss to assume that the question Jesus asked them was an indication of what He was praying about. “Whom say the people that I am?” (vs.18) The popular opinion was that Jesus was John the Baptist or one of the ancient prophets risen from the dead. However, what the crowds concluded about Jesus was not as important to Him as who His closest followers understood Him to be. “But whom say ye that I am?” (vs.20) After all, these were the ones that would carry on His work after He returned to His Father. Peter was quick to respond, “The Christ of God.” Matthew’s Gospel gives us a more complete response declaring Him to be the Son of the living God as well. (16:16)
Could Peter’s response have been the answer to His prayer? And Jesus answered and said unto him “… flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.” (Mt. 16:17) The divine revelation that was given to them by His Heavenly Father was very different from the natural conclusions that the crowds had come to on their own. And it was that revelation that would be the rock upon which He would build His Church, and the anchor that would hold His followers steady during the stormy days that lay ahead. Once that fact was established, He could talk more freely to them about the arrest, trial and death that awaited Him in Jerusalem. He could speak to them about dying to self and total commitment, as expressed by the requirement to “eat His flesh and drink His blood.” (Jn.6:53) From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” And Simon Peter answered Him, “to whom else shall we go? Thou hast words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Jn. 6:66-69)
The crowds left Him because they didn’t know Him. The true knowledge of God can only come by revelation. What joy it must have brought to the heart of Jesus to see that light dawn upon them. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes… (Lk. 10:21) And He still loves to reveal Himself to us, changing us from glory to glory, as we take time over His Word to wait on Him. (2 Cor. 3:18)
Many years have passed since (now Pastor) Michael was given those five simple words to pray, and as he told me recently, he is still praying them. “Jesus, reveal Yourself to me.” It’s a growing revelation. It was Peter, of all people, who told us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Pe. 3:18) I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ll be praying that way throughout all the ages of eternity. If you haven’t already, why not begin today? It’s guaranteed to change your life!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You want us to know who You are, and how much You love us.
Jesus, reveal Yourself to me.
