The Episkiatzo Effect
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Written by Pastor Thomas Cherian
Categories: Devotion
Over this world lies a shadow of ideas, philosophy and culture that counter the Word of God. We find ourselves concerned for our children, companions and communities.
It’s in this atmosphere that we need to have an Episkiatzo experience with the Holy Spirit.
Episkiatzo is a Greek term (Luke 1:35), which literally means to cast the shadow/cover over.
Luke begins with the story of two cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, who had unique overshadowing experiences.
Mary had such an experience where the Holy Spirit exerted energy upon her womb. The Greek word used here is the same used to describe the cloud of God’s presence overshadowing the tabernacle at Mt. Sinai (Ex 40:35; Num 9:18, 22; 10:34, 36).
This episkiatzo or the overshadowing of the power of the Most High brought spectacular change in their lives. Three changes are highlighted below:
- Their physiological realm experiences changes (vv. 35-36). Elizabeth’s aged and inactive womb comes back to life. In the case of Mary, she experiences an unimaginable and an unexplainable miracle.
- The social status of ordinary women experiences elevation (vv. 24, 25, 41). Their long-time negative thought patterns do not rule them anymore. They are full of joy and newness.
- Their spiritual realm experiences a total transformation (vv. 39, 41, 46ff.). When they were overshadowed by the power of the Most High, they were divinely connected to each other; their tongue and their voice were anointed.
The overshadowing experience totally transforms a person. Like Mary, the Lord is ready to overshadow us and bring those unimaginable changes in us if we just totally agree and submit to His will.
May the Almighty Lord take us and use us for His glory by overshadowing our physical, emotional, social and spiritual lives, making us agents of change.
