DIVINE VISITATION

TITLE: DIVINE VISITATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Luke 19:1-10 (NKJV) – "Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' So he made haste and came down and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.' Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.'"

Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 55:6-7
Jeremiah 29:13
Hebrews 13:2
Psalm 84:10

INTRODUCTION:
Divine visitation refers to a moment when God intervenes in our lives in a significant and transformative way. Such encounters can lead to salvation, healing, restoration, and a deeper relationship with Him. In this sermon, we will explore what divine visitation means, its impact on our lives, and how to position ourselves to receive it.

1. UNDERSTANDING DIVINE VISITATION
To fully grasp the significance of divine visitation, we must understand its nature and purpose.

a) A Personal Encounter with God: Divine visitation is when God reveals Himself to us, altering our lives forever (Exodus 3:4).

b) God’s Desire for Relationship: God desires to connect with His creation, leading to intimacy and transformation (Jeremiah 29:13).

c) A Catalyst for Change: Such visitations often bring about radical change in our lives and circumstances (Acts 9:3-6).

d) It Can Be Unexpected: Divine visitation may come when we least expect it, just as it did for Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5).

Biblical Example:
Abraham's encounter with God when he was visited by three men, leading to the promise of Isaac (Genesis 18:1-15).

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING DIVINE VISITATION
We must actively seek God’s presence in our lives to experience divine visitation.

a) Hunger for God: A heart that longs for God’s presence positions us for visitation (Matthew 5:6).

b) Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in prayer and fasting opens our hearts to God’s visitation (Isaiah 58:6-9).

c) Faith and Expectation: We must approach God with faith, believing that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

d) Making Room for God: Just as Zacchaeus made an effort to see Jesus, we must make time and space for God in our busy lives (Luke 19:4).

Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood who pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus, demonstrating her faith and desperation (Mark 5:27-29).

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE VISITATION
Divine visitations are marked by specific characteristics that signify God's presence.

a) Conviction of Sin: Encountering God often brings about a deep awareness of our shortcomings and need for repentance (Isaiah 6:5).

b) Joy and Celebration: Divine visitations are accompanied by joy, as experienced by Zacchaeus when Jesus visited his home (Luke 19:6).

c) Healing and Restoration: God's visitation brings healing to our bodies, minds, and spirits (Malachi 4:2).

d) Change of Heart: A genuine visitation leads to a transformation in character, priorities, and values (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Biblical Example:
The prodigal son, who experienced a change of heart upon his return to the father after a divine encounter (Luke 15:17-24).

4. RESPONDING TO DIVINE VISITATION
How we respond to God's visitation determines the lasting impact it has on our lives.

a) Obedience to God's Call: Responding promptly to God’s voice is crucial for experiencing His blessings (Isaiah 1:19).

b) Repentance: A sincere heart of repentance opens the door for restoration and reconciliation with God (2 Chronicles 7:14).

c) Gratitude and Praise: Acknowledging God’s goodness through thanksgiving enhances our experience of His presence (Psalm 100:4).

d) Sharing the Experience: Testifying of God's goodness encourages others and strengthens our faith (Revelation 12:11).

Biblical Example:
Mary's visit to Elizabeth after receiving the news of her miraculous conception, where she praised God for His goodness (Luke 1:39-45).

5. THE PROMISE OF DIVINE VISITATION
God has promised to visit His people, bringing hope and restoration.

a) A Promise of Presence: God promises to be with us, never leaving us nor forsaking us (Hebrews 13:5).

b) Seasons of Refreshing: God’s visitation brings seasons of refreshing and renewal (Acts 3:19).

c) Transformational Encounters: When God visits, lives are transformed, and destinies are redirected (Ephesians 3:20).

d) Fulfillment of Promises: God’s visitation often coincides with the fulfillment of His promises in our lives (Isaiah 46:11).

Biblical Example:
God’s visitation to Moses through the burning bush, setting the stage for Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).

CONCLUSION:
Divine visitation is a powerful and transformative experience that brings us closer to God. By seeking Him with all our hearts, we open ourselves to His presence and the profound changes He can make in our lives. Let us be attentive to His voice, ready to respond to His call, and willing to share the blessings of His visitation with others.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I seek Your divine visitation in my life.

2. Help me to recognise and respond to Your presence.

3. Cleanse my heart and lead me to repentance.

4. Fill me with joy and celebration for Your goodness.

5. Grant me the faith to believe in Your promises.

6. Help me to make room for You in my life.

7. Let my life be a testimony of Your transforming power.

8. I pray for seasons of refreshing in my spirit.

9. Open my eyes to see the blessings of Your visitation.

10. May my life glorify You in every way.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you are entering a season of divine visitation!

2. Your heart will be filled with joy and celebration as God draws near!

3. Expect supernatural encounters that will transform your life!

4. You will testify of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life!

5. Every obstacle to God’s visitation in your life is being removed!

6. You will experience fresh revelations of His presence and power!

7. God’s promises over your life will be fulfilled in this season!

8. Healing and restoration are flowing into your life right now!

9. Your faith will inspire others to seek the Lord!

10. You are a vessel of God’s glory, reflecting His goodness to the world!