LET US KNOW
Let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. Hosea 6:3
“Oh, I know you,” we say when we are introduced to someone whom we think we might have seen before in a completely different setting. Or, we know about something because we looked it up online once, or we might know something because we are living it.
To know is to know beyond recognition. Beyond a glance and beyond picking a face out in a crowd. To know is to understand a bit of a person’s character, likes and dislikes, and some of his/her history.
To know burgers is to eat them, make them, and try all different kinds – turkey, tofu, bison, and beef. To know them is to know whether you like them loaded or plain, with fries or without.
To know God is similar because we need to seek Him in His Word and experience Him with sight, sound, touch, taste, and the enjoyment of being in His Presence. How do we accomplish this? By spending daily time in His Word and daily time in our prayer closet. There is no shortcut, fast track, or easier way.
When getting to know a new friend, one spends time in that person’s presence, and home, and enjoys experiences with him/her.
I can say I know God, but to really know Him, I have got to be reading His story – words written for me so I might know Him more. Reading His faithfulness with the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years brings me hope. Seeing His compassion on a widow who recently lost her son, and that son brought him back to life. Encountering God as He encounters Elijah at the mountain after he ran – and then watching God minister to a man who had doubts be recharged with faith and become fearless again.
Knowing God is to know Jesus, His Son. This Son broke the palpable silence of 400 years with one newborn cry. This Son began a revolution that rocked this world and continues to rock it because He is the solid Rock on which a life with God stands.
To know Jesus is to understand His life as written for us in the gospels – His glorious life as He dwelt among mankind for 33 years. As He gathered around Him a ragtag group of men, whom He later called disciples, taught them by word and deed what it means to know His Father and to live solely for Him.
To know Jesus is to know suffering. He suffered at the hand of men. He willingly became sin so we could have a right relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:21), obeying the Father unto death, and demonstrating to us obedience and submission.
To know Jesus is to walk in step with Him. When we walk in step with Him we are not alone as we have the Holy Spirit in us (John 14:16), guiding us every step of the way. We can press on because we have the power and strength to do so. Even when it gets hard. And it will.
To know God is glorious because we can spend time with the heavenly Father, our Abba Daddy, and be accepted in His Presence without shame (Hebrews 4:16). Entering the throne room because we have the “E” ticket – the shed blood of Jesus covering us, removing our guilt and shame. And spending time on our Father’s lap is the best use of time because t-i-m-e is how you spell love.
Are you desiring to know God more? Will you press on, with me, to know Him more?
Father God, I want to know You and to know You more each and every day. You are worth my time, effort, and sacrifice. You are incredible and I sincerely want to know as much of You this side of heaven that I can – so when I get to heaven You are not a stranger to me. Please guide me into all Truth so I can do just that. In the name of Your Son, Jesus. AMEN
