Do you know Him?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (John 6:29)

The first paragraph are harsh words from Jesus Himself. This knowing goes beyond head-knowledge knowing. It refers to an intimate communion with God, with Jesus Christ. Many know a lot about Him, but few truly know Him.

In the second paragraph Jesus tells us the one thing we must do, that is of utmost importance, believing in Him. Not just facts about Him. James 2:19 says that “even the demons believe and tremble.” God's will, His desire, is that no one should perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16), but there is that thing called “free will” that He gave us.

We choose where to live, what to buy, what to think. God didn't create a bunch of robots, but a human race with the ability to freely think and freely choose... to freely choose or freely reject Him and His most amazing grace.

Knowing Him begins with, “I believe, Lord – help me with my unbelief!” That prayer has the power to transform a life from meaningless to purposeful... from guilt and shame to forgiveness and joy... from knowing about Him to truly knowing Him.

Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

—Come To Jesus, Chris Rice

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