The Moment of Revelation

Coming from an aristocratic family in ancient Greece, Archimedes didn’t have to work. Given this freedom from financial burdens, others might have indulged in leisure. But Archimedes, who was born around 287 BC, became intrigued by mathematics. He became so focused on math problems that he was known to leave some of his meals uneaten.

Because of his skills, the king turned to Archimedes when he faced a troubling situation. He had provided gold to a goldsmith and asked him to make a new crown. But, when he got the crown, the king suspected that the goldsmith had used inferior metals and kept some gold for himself. He asked Archimedes to answer his question by analyzing the density of the crown.

Pondering this dilemma while taking a bath, Archimedes noticed that the tub water rose when he got in. Suddenly he realized that the water displaced was equal in volume to that of his body. Unable to contain his enthusiasm, Archimedes jumped out of the bath and ran through the streets, shouting, “Eureka! Eureka! (I found it! I found it!).”

Moments like these can be life-changing. We all need moments of insight, realization, and breakthrough. Our lives are changed when difficult mysteries are solved and locked doors are opened. And such moments can come at any time.

This is why Jesus said, you are to “keep on asking…and it shall be given you. Keep on seeking, and you shall find. Keep on reverently knocking, and it shall be opened to you” (Wuest translation).

Today, you may face problems that seem impossible to solve. But you never know when your “Eureka” moment will happen. Never lose heart, but continue to ask, seek, and knock. Be persistent, and have faith that God will open the door.