Introduction

The concept of responding to God's manifestation is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where individuals and communities encounter the divine presence and are called to respond in faith, obedience, and worship. God's manifestations, whether through direct revelation, miraculous events, or the person of Jesus Christ, demand a response that aligns with His will and purpose.

Biblical Examples of Response

1. Abraham's Obedience: In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abram to leave his country and go to a land He will show him. Abram's response is immediate obedience: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him" (Genesis 12:4). This act of faith sets a precedent for responding to God's call with trust and action.

2. Moses and the Burning Bush: In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God in the burning bush. God's manifestation leads to a mission: to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Moses initially hesitates, questioning his ability, but ultimately submits to God's command. This narrative illustrates the struggle and eventual submission that can accompany divine encounters.

3. Isaiah's Vision: In Isaiah 6, the prophet sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. Isaiah's response is one of humility and readiness: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This reflects a willingness to serve and proclaim God's message despite personal inadequacies.

4. Mary's Acceptance: In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive the Messiah. Her response is one of faith and submission: "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Mary's acceptance exemplifies trust in God's plan despite the personal cost.

5. The Disciples' Call: Jesus' call to His disciples in the Gospels is met with immediate action. In Matthew 4:19-20, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Their response is prompt: "At once they left their nets and followed Him" (Matthew 4:20). This demonstrates the priority of following Christ above all else.

Principles of Response

1. Faith and Trust: Responding to God's manifestation requires faith in His promises and trust in His character. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" .

2. Obedience: Obedience is a key aspect of responding to God. In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" . True response involves aligning one's actions with God's commands.

3. Worship and Reverence: Encounters with God often lead to worship. In Revelation 4:11, the heavenly hosts declare, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power" . Worship acknowledges God's sovereignty and majesty.

4. Repentance and Transformation: God's manifestation often calls for repentance and a change of heart. In Acts 2:37-38, after Peter's sermon at Pentecost, the people are "cut to the heart" and ask what they should do. Peter responds, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" .

5. Proclamation and Witness: Responding to God includes sharing His message with others. In Acts 1:8, Jesus commissions His followers: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses" . This underscores the responsibility to testify to God's work in the world.

Conclusion

The biblical call to respond to God's manifestation is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves faith, obedience, worship, repentance, and proclamation. Each response is unique, yet all are united by a commitment to align with God's will and purpose.