CHRISTOPHANY

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of uphaz: his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like colour of polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude

 – Dan 10:4-6

The passage above certainly describes a person of great importance. Though his name was not mentioned, but when we study the pages of the Bible, we quickly get an idea of who he really is. When we compare this description with that of Rev 1:13-15, the unmistakable similarities reveal the identity of this “certain man” as Jesus Christ. This is one of His numerous appearances in the Old Testament before His incarnation in the New Testament. Theologians have labeled these appearances as Christophany.

In Dan 3:25, He was described as the ‘Son of God’ and in Josh 5:14 He was described as the ‘Captain of the Lord’s host’. It is interesting to note that He was not given any title in this passage. This is something we need to ponder on. Why was He described just as a certain man? To figure this out, God expects us to search for the answer in His word.

Over the ages, Jesus Christ has been given many descriptions. People have called Him a nice guy, wise teacher, great philosopher, motivational speaker and even a political revolutionary.

The big question is: “Who is Jesus Christ?” or better still, “Who is Jesus Christ to you?”  Only you can provide an honest answer to this question. Studying and knowing who Jesus really is, will help you to have an idea of who God is since Christ said He came to show us the character of the Father (Jn. 14:9).

Is He really the God of mercy, the Loving Father or a Wicked Judge? As you honestly seek to know the character of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, may He reveal Himself to you.