Theophanies

Recently at small group while studying Untamed by Alan and Debra Hirsch we talked about a form of religious experience called “theophanies,” which they describe as a manifestation of God. The authors gave an example of watching a sunset and suddenly the wonder of it all dawns on a person as time seems to stand still and eternity fills the moment.

In polling members of the group about theophanies, several resonated with a story of God’s creation: a magnificent sunrise or majestic mountains. Others described sensing God’s overwhelming presence while on a missions trip in a foreign land and realizing that followers of Christ have much in common wherever they live. Some talked about how God answered prayers in supernatural ways just when they needed it most.

I talked about the awe-inspiring moments of the births of my three sons. Tears of joy streamed down my face as my wife and I suddenly faced the arrival of an amazing new person into this world.

Of course part of experiencing God is to realize that He is everywhere and that it is our responsibility to demonstrate His goodness to others, whether that be the pregnant teenager, the homeless person, the alcoholic, our co-workers or our relatives.