Epiphanies—Great and Small

      When I was a child, I assembled a plastic model of Columbus’ sailing ship the Santa Maria. It was only about six inches long but I was very proud of the way it rode on its plastic base, with the waves swirling around and the wind billowing the sails. My father helped me colour the seas and the sails and get the decals in place, then he left me to finish it. I attached the flags and banners, streaming out behind, and proudly put my handiwork on display on my bedroom dresser. Not long afterward, my cousin, two years older, visited. After ten seconds in my room, he walked up to

the model and right before my eyes, turned every flag and banner around 180 degrees—and I let him. He was right and I knew it instantly. The wind fills the sails and blows flags, streamers and everything else, forward!

    Let’s turn to a Bible story that affects me similarly. The Apostle Peter was in Joppa when he got a call to come and visit the Roman centurion Cornelius in Caesarea. Armed with some background information he had received in a vision, Peter and some friends made the day-and-a-half hike to Caesarea, and arrived at Cornelius’ door. Cornelius was greatly honoured to have Peter come, and he had gathered his relatives and closest friends (God-fearers all) to hear what Peter had to say. As Peter told them that, “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name,” at that instant “the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” As I understand it, they saw instantly that Peter was right—they believed him, and were forgiven, redeemed, “saved”. 

    So just what is an “epiphany”? Merriam-Webster gives multiple definitions, all clustering around “a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something.” It seems to be something of its type that happens only once. I never again need to learn which way flags blow. And those friends and relatives of Cornelius never again have to learn what Jesus is about. Whatever they may learn of the details of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, they know without any doubt, that he forgives sins. 

    Christians down through the ages have often told us of that sudden illumination, that sudden knowing of what is true and right. The Apostle Paul, on the road to Damascus, was blinded by a light but instantly knew it was “the Lord”[1]. More examples:—Saint Augustine (“Remember not our former iniquities…You convert me to Yourself.” )[2]; John Bunyan (“Blest rather be, the Man that there was put to shame for me! );[3] John Newton (“I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.” )[4]; C.S.Lewis (“When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.”)[5]; myself, knowing Jesus is real and falling on him for rescue; and even my four year old son, as he tucked his head under the covers of a hospital crib and simply “asked Jesus into his heart”. 

      We know Jesus’ character—we know He is true. The best thing we can do is cry out like Peter, as he was about to drown, “Lord, save me!” or say, as Jesus recommended from the cross, “Father, forgive me!”

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[1] Acts 9:5

[2] Augustine, The Confessions of St. Augustine, The Eighth Book—pp.61,65

[3] Bunyan, John. The Pilgrim’s Progress. P.88.

[4] Newton, John. Amazing Grace hymn.

[5] Lewis, C.S. Surprised by Joy, p.189

Vision Surgery

    In June, I visited the Eye Doctor— I needed cataract surgery. As we discussed the experience, and any discomfort or pain I might expect, he suggested that however mild or severe it might be, we all have to go through it to get our vision restored. As he spoke, the thought crossed my mind, “It would be great if I could get someone else to endure all this.”

      What a parallel that is to the darkening of our minds and souls that daily life often brings us. A surgeon can’t operate on his own eyes any more than we can operate on our own souls— we need someone else’s help. Help from our own parents or friends will never do. We need someone qualified— we need an expert.

      My surgeon has fixed over 30,000 eyes, so he is spectacularly qualified. I didn’t know him well but, on his reputation, I trusted him with my eyesight—both eyes at once! But the expert I’m really talking about is Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully qualified to dispel any darkness: He is God and made us and therefore all our shortfalls are ultimately against Him; and He is Man, and has taken on Himself all the punishment we deserved.

      I’ve had my surgery now and I’m at the stage of just putting drops in both eyes six times per day. My bedroom light is brighter; my bathroom light is brighter, our kitchen is brighter, and so are all the trees, the grass, the skies, and the lake. Before the surgery I once saw two Canada Geese strut across a beach in perfect unison, about six inches apart—in fact, it was my confused double vision of only one goose! Last month I saw a child kicking a pair of soccer balls down the field, in perfect symmetry—no it was only one ball!

      What a physical relief to see brightly and clearly again. But I come back to my spiritual application. In my more introspective moments, I know I haven’t done right by everyone I’ve met—maybe not even anyone I’ve met. That creates a shadow between me and God; it would be great to be in the light again.

      Here is just the help we need:— Jesus Christ tells us: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” Jesus also promised: “If we confess our sins, He [Jesus] is faithful and just and will purify us forever.” Jesus provides our souls with light, clarity, and peace forever.