There are many who boast that they would be followers of Lord Jesus if he speaks or reveals to them directly. Yes, God is gracious to manifest himself to certain people. Lord confronted Saul (later Paul) directly. Sadhu Sundar Singh had the privilege of Lord Jesus revealing Himself directly to him. However, Lord does not and need not reveal Himself to everyone. Lord Jesus said in his parable that if people do not listen to Moses and others, they will not listen to one who has risen from dead too. (Luke 16:31) “Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” (John 14:22-24)
That was a sensible valid question from Judas, not of the betrayer. Lord answered that Lord will manifest in this world through them, his disciples.
1) Love God: Love, obedience and unity are mark of a disciple. When disciples love the Lord with all their heart, mind and strengthen, they manifest God to the world. (Matthew 22:37)
2) Keep His word: Disciples read, listen, learn, understand, meditate, and apply the Word. The words of Lord Jesus Christ are of Father’s who sent him. (John 14:24)
3) Indwelling Presence: Father and Son indwell in the disciples when they invite them. (Revelation 3:20) Disciples are the temple of Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 6:19)
4) Obedience: Obviously, many people even those who are not Christians, know about the high standards of teachings of Lord Jesus Christ. They wish to see those who profess as disciples obeying Lord’s teaching. World evaluates believers by their obedience to Lord.
Do I manifest Lord Jesus Christ to the world?