Divine Visitation
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Divine visitation refers to the instances in the Bible where God intervenes directly in the lives of individuals or nations, often bringing about significant change, judgment, or blessing. These visitations are marked by God's presence, either through a physical manifestation, a prophetic message, or a supernatural event. The concept underscores God's sovereignty, His intimate involvement in human affairs, and His desire to fulfill His purposes.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and Sarah: One of the earliest examples of divine visitation is found in Genesis 18, where the Lord appears to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. Three men, representing the Lord, visit Abraham and Sarah to announce the forthcoming birth of Isaac. This visitation underscores God's promise and faithfulness. Genesis 18:1-2 states, "Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby."

2. Jacob's Ladder: In Genesis 28, Jacob experiences a divine visitation in a dream at Bethel, where he sees a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. God reaffirms the covenant made with Abraham, promising Jacob land and descendants. Genesis 28:12-13 records, "And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, 'I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac.'"

3. Moses and the Burning Bush: In Exodus 3, God visits Moses through the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This visitation is significant as it reveals God's name, Yahweh, and His concern for His people's suffering. Exodus 3:2 states, "There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed."

4. The Exodus: The plagues of Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea are seen as divine visitations where God intervenes to deliver His people. These events demonstrate God's power and His commitment to His covenant with Israel.

New Testament Examples

1. The Incarnation: The ultimate divine visitation is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, God visits humanity in the person of Jesus, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and bringing salvation. Luke 1:68 proclaims, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people."

2. Pentecost: In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles is a divine visitation that empowers the early church. This event marks the beginning of the church's mission to spread the Gospel. Acts 2:2-4 describes, "Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

3. Paul's Conversion: Saul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus is a personal divine visitation that transforms him into the Apostle Paul. Acts 9:3-5 recounts, "As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied."

Theological Significance

Divine visitations in the Bible highlight God's active role in history and His desire to communicate with humanity. They often serve as turning points, bringing about repentance, deliverance, or judgment. These visitations remind believers of God's omnipresence and His willingness to intervene in the world to accomplish His divine will. They also emphasize the importance of being receptive to God's presence and guidance in one's life.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Divine Visitation

DIVINE VISITATION

See PUNISHMENTS

Library

O Love Divine, that Stooped to Share
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES Visitation 400. O Love divine, that stooped to share.
LM [1534]Abends: Herbert S. Oakeley, 1874. Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1859. ...
/.../visitation 400 o love divine.htm

The Seventh Year of Our Conflict was Completed; and the Hostile ...
... 2705] and were deemed worthy of a speedier divine visitation and peace; the heavenly
Providence sparing the singleness of purpose and faith of those men. 13. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiii the seventh year.htm

The Numerous Oracles
... 337] men's fancy, occupying springs or rivers, trees or stones, and thus imposed
upon the simple by their juggleries; now, after the divine visitation of the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 47 the numerous oracles.htm

Of the Great Desolation Usually Following an Intellectual Passive ...
... is usually attended by succeeding anguish and desertion, so above all other times
this so supereminent and so comfortable a divine visitation is commonly ...
/.../chapter v of the great.htm

The Dayspring from on High
... And His coming is a divine visitation. The word here 'hath visited us'
(or 'shall visit us,' as the Revised Version varies it), is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the dayspring from on high.htm

The Coming Revival
... will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth
at My word." Amid the most gracious promises of Divine visitation there is ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xv the coming revival.htm

Visitation
... SACRAMENTS AND RITES Visitation. ... 1465]398 I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
[1466]399 At even, when the sun was set [1467]400 O Love divine, that stooped ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/visitation.htm

Chapter xxi
... The first comprises the verses 1-7. It would seem proper to treat these verses under
the subject "A Gracious Divine Visitation," building on the Biblical fact ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

Thy Rod and Thy Staff they Comfort Me.
... who sees only punishment in his pains, the saints of God have ever accepted their
crosses as a sign of special love, a divine visitation, a preparation for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/viii thy rod and thy.htm

I do not Ask, O Lord, that Life May Be
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES Visitation 385. I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be. ...
And follow thee. Joy is like restless day; but peace divine. Like quiet night. ...
/.../visitation 385 i do not.htm

Resources
In what ways are believers partakers of the divine nature? | GotQuestions.org

What is Divine Mercy Sunday? | GotQuestions.org

What is the divine spark? | GotQuestions.org

Divine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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