In today's world, many people are fascinated by extraordinary spiritual experiences and encounters with biblical figures or angels. However, it's crucial to remember that our primary focus should always be on Jesus Christ, the true image of the Father.
The Danger of Misplaced Focus
A prophet once told me that the things God reveals to him aren't even found in the Bible. Some prophets claim to have seen Elijah or Moses during their prayers. While these encounters might be genuine, they can distract us from what truly matters. We should be more interested in whether someone has encountered Jesus and how He has transformed their life. We are warned in Colossians 2:18-19 not to let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify us. Such people often go into great detail about what they have seen, but they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body grows as God causes it to grow.
Even Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), so we must be cautious about where we place our focus.
The True Image of the Father
Many people boast about their spiritual experiences, such as seeing Elisha or working with angels. However, these experiences should not overshadow the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).
Magnifying the Holy Spirit
Some individuals magnify their encounters with angels, but we should focus on the Holy Spirit who resides within us. The Holy Spirit is greater than any angel and is our direct connection to God. Jesus promised in John 14:16-17 that the Father would give us another advocate to help us and be with us forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but we know Him, for He lives with us and will be in us. We are God's temple, and His Spirit dwells in our midst (1 Corinthians 3:16).
The Importance of Knowing Jesus
Knowing the name of your angel won't guarantee your place in heaven, but knowing Jesus will. Our salvation and eternal life depend on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Acts 4:12 reinforces this by stating, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Conclusion
When faced with claims of secret knowledge or extraordinary spiritual experiences, always ask to see Jesus. When Jesus is present in your life, everything else falls into place. Focus on building a relationship with Him and let His presence transform every aspect of your life. Consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 3:8). Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).
Let us seek Jesus above all else and allow His image to be reflected in our lives.
Feel free to share this blog post to remind others about keeping their focus on Jesus! If you have any thoughts or questions, I'd love to hear them.