Exodus 33:13 (KJV) Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
I use the KJV to emphasize grace as the conduit of manifestation. I left you yesterday with John 14:21 where Jesus proclaims that if we love Him He will manifest Himself to us. We found grace in God’s sight when we accepted Jesus Christ into our heart based on His work at the Cross. Now having received Him into our heart we again find grace in what Jesus sees in us.
“Show me now thy way.” Manifest is a showing, a revelation, insight and knowledge of the gracious life that dwells in us now by faith. It is more than simply keeping commandments. The life of Christ becomes an integrated part of our hearts. He changes us in more intimate ways than any external written word could ever accomplish.
2 Corinthians 3:2 (ESV) You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our (your) hearts, to be known and read by all.
Christ will manifest Himself from where He is in our hearts to be seen by others. It is not that we show Christ, it is that He manifests Himself in ways we cannot accomplish in our flesh. We are not mimics. We are not given grace to try and duplicate what we think Christ would do. We are earthen vessels which contain grace and as such are not responsible for the contents or its outpouring.
Psalm 23:5 English Standard Version (ESV)
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Thought provoking. Thank you!