I have observed many young Christians who long for a revelation of Jesus. Some are eager to experience what individuals like Kenneth Hagin encountered in this world before they entered glory. Between 1967, when Jesus appeared to Kenneth Hagin and his heavenly calling in 2003, Kenneth Hagin saw Jesus in visions eight times. As genuine as these encounters were, Keneth Hagin never asked for them in the place of prayer; they all happened in moments over which the man of God had no control.
The Example of Thomas and the Blessing of Believing Without Seeing
Judas was the only one who requested a physical post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. He insisted that he would not believe that Christ is risen unless he sees the nail marks in his hands, puts his finger where the nails were, and puts his hand into his pierced side (John 20:25). Jesus appeared to him, and he asked him to examine his resurrected body. Judas called him Lord, but Jesus said to him You believed because you saw me, but blessed are those who do not see me and believe.
Christian Maturity Is Not Measured by Visions
Our relationship with the Lord Jesus must not be centred around the ecstasy of visions but his words.
Another reason many desire such an experience is that they assume that seeing Jesus is an indicator of their intimacy with Christ and level of maturity. This cannot be true because Jesus assured us that he is with us always (Matthew 28:20). It is left to Jesus to decide whom he will appear to and why he must do so. Any attempt to replicate other people’s stories will expose you to demonic manipulations through visions.
Only Christ Has Seen the Father
John 6:46-47
not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life.
False Expectations About Revelations
I would love to end this narrative simply. Our generation has created many principles that lack any biblical foundation. There are saints in heaven who walked the earth and never saw Jesus in vision, who did so much for God’s kingdom on this side of eternity. Do not have a false expectation of what Jesus wants to do for you. He wants to pray, read his word, and simply conform to his image.
Christ’s Priority: Conformity to His Image
Rom 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
Conforming to his image in all things is Christ’s priority for you, and not you seeing him in visions. I recognise that the imagery accompanying the stories of those who encountered him is often infused with so much vivid detail and emotion. But let Jesus determine if he would appear to you, when and how he would appear to you. I see him every day in his word, and it is enough for me.
Walking by Faith and not by sight
Those who await Jesus’ appearance as proof of their spiritual growth are no different from those who demand archaeological evidence to accept biblical accounts.
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