July 28, 2025 4:00 am
The concept of visitation is a unique expression in the Bible, referring to God's oversight or supervision of His people. Christ is described as the great shepherd and bishop of souls, responsible for the oversight of all people in every age. The time of Gentile oversight is seen as an opportunity for Christians to glorify God through their good works and honest conversation with non-believers, just as Jerusalem was given a chance to know its visitation but failed to recognize it.
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Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. The Day of Visitation. Mm-hmm. having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Mm.
1 Peter 2, 12. This unique expression in the day of visitation, based on the surprising use of the Greek word episkope, occurs one other time in such a way, when Christ wept over Jerusalem and pronounced its coming judgment. If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace. But now they are hid from thine eyes, because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. Luke nineteen forty two through forty four.
Now this word episcopae and its derivatives are usually translated as bishop, office of a bishop, or bishopric, and it seems strange at first that it could also mean visitation.
However, its basic meaning is overseer or oversight, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is really the shepherd and bishop of our souls, as well as that of nations and indeed every aspect of every life. As a bishop or pastor is responsible for the oversight of his local church or flock, so Christ is that great shepherd of the sheep, the true bishop of our souls, the overseer of all people in every age. In his great plan of the ages, the Jews and then the Gentiles each have been entrusted with the time of visitation or oversight of God's witness to the world. Sadly, Jerusalem knewest not the time of her visitation. And as for Judas, the Lord had to say, His bishopric, let another take.
Acts 1:20.
Now, in God's providence, it is the time of Gentile oversight, and it is eternally important that we who know his salvation today glorify God by our good works, with our conversation, our lifestyle, honest among the Gentiles in our own day of visitation. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement.
Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with days of praise.
