The other day I was hearing the words “widespread revelation” – even in how that correlates with open heaven, revival and breakthrough.
Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.
1 Samuel 3:1
The word “revelation” can seem like such an “out there” or “mystic” word for some to use – but in simplicity it is about having heart where God can “reveal” His thoughts to us. There was no “widespread revelation” when the prophet Samuel came into his time. What this verse shows us is how much God values our ability to “see and hear” what He is saying.
The Motives of the Heart
This is much more than listening to others who claim to be the “prophets” of the day. This is about what Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me”. As we are God’s people everything must be weighed through our own personal relationship with God – as we are seeking His face on our own.
Is there widespread revelation in our day? I believe so as God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. (Acts 2) Yet it is vitally important that we learn to recognize that which is of the soul and that which is of the Spirit. Is what people say is “God speaking” really about what God wants or what they want? There is a lot of soulish mixture out there.
Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Matthew 12:34-35
There can be different motives of the heart: political motivation, monetary motivation, personal preference motivation, power motivation, platform motivation – and more or there can be the Holy Spirit motivating. We are told that in the last days people will surround themselves with what they want to hear – the itching ear disease. (2 Tim. 4:3) The motives of the heart are foundational and determine just “how we hear”. People can hear the same sound and interpret it completely different. So how we hear is just as important as hearing.
Clarity in Hearing God
Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.
Luke 8:18
There are different levels of revelation. God can speak with an audible voice, there is the impression level of hearing, dreams or visions, angels in dreams, an angel can come as a messenger with God’s Word and we can simply hear God through reading the Bible – which is where every other “word” we hear should be weighed.
God speaks to us personally in many ways. We should desire to hear the voice of God. At the same time, we should understand that just because we hear it for ourselves personally does not mean it is for everyone. It is always good, but not always needed, to have some sort of “confirmation” – for with 2 or 3 witnesses all things are established. (Matthew 18:16)
…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…
Ephesians 1:17
Paul prayed that the Church would be given the “spirit of wisdom and revelation”. When God gives revelation the words are fresh from heaven to our hearts. It is light. It is an affirmation and encouragement that our relationship with God is living and active. When revelation occurs there is a dialogue happening with God in our prayers, communion is activated with the Holy Spirit and we are saying, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” It is not passive but engaged with active pursuit of God from the heart.
The Voice of Breakthrough
Breakthrough always begins with the voice of God coming to us. Before we have breakthrough in the externals God wants to breakthrough internally in our hearts. This requires pursuing God – doing things that will cause a heavenly response, even His response. God responds to our actions saying, “if you draw near to me I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) We have the ability to cause things to open up in our lives – even creating a domino effect where others experience the affects of the Spirit in their lives.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
Psalms 29:5
Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
The voice of the Lord “breaks” the cedars of Lebanon. His voice has the power to break things open. As we align our hearts with His words, through prayer and decrees of His truth, heaven breaks through changing atmospheres.
The Power of ONE
Samuel was a young boy who was dedicated to the Lord as an infant. His heart was totally devoted in worship to the Lord with a holy consecration. Because of his life of obedience God was able to break the cycle where there was “no widespread revelation”. His whole-hearted commitment opened that door where God could find someone He could trust and be His prophet. Samuel helped open the door for Gods’ voice to be known, even passing that down generationally, as he anointed David as king.
When the Holy Spirit gives revelation it is not because we are perfect but because we are faithful – even following the Lord to the best of His ability within us. Revelation is the reality of heaven in our hearts, His words being made alive within us, seeing Jesus for Who He is and the fresh bread we need daily to abide in His Presence. The spirit of revelation is a gift from God to us. All we have to do is position ourselves to receive His thoughts – valuing His above all others.
Commit to seek the Lord, to hear His voice and follow Him with the whole heart!