“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
John 14:21 NIV
Manifested In Us
The term Manifest Destiny was first used in 1845 by New York City journalist John Louis O’Sullivan. He used the term in the context of America’s annexation of the Republic of Texas. Manifest Destiny represented the idea that it was America’s right — its destiny, in fact — to expand across all of North America. Politicians and citizens in the United States called for the US to expand by claiming control of British territory. This included the Province of Canada (formerly Upper Canada and Lower Canada), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
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The word manifest means to make something obvious. As the US expanded historically, it was called Manifest Destiny because the people felt it was obvious that the expansion was meant to be. Manifest is an important concept in Christianity as well. Listen to what John 14:21 has to say: “’Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.’” Another translation says that Jesus says He will “manifest myself to them.” When we love the Lord, we can count on Him showing up and making Himself known to us. Through Jesus, God has shown Himself to His creation. Jesus said that if we have seen Him, we have seen the Father. Jesus still manifests Himself, still makes Himself known to those who love Him. He steps into our lives and fills us with His peace and His joy. He is the God who makes His presence obvious in the lives of those who love Him. Look for God to manifest Himself in your life today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley