Do I Know You?

November 15, 2013

"On
judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your
name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in
your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you . . .'" Matthew 7:22-23

Father, do I know You?

I realize that seems like a ridiculous question. However, I believe it is a question worth asking of myself every once in a while. One day when I stand before my King I long to hear the words of Matthew 25:21, "Well done, my good and faithful servant . . .." What if instead I hear a paraphrase of Matthew 7:23, "Do I know you?"

I stand firm in my salvation. I recognize my salvation as a gift from God available to me (and to anyone else, for that matter) through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). And because of Christ I know I will stand before God one day right and pure and holy.

But do I know Him?

I teach a Sunday school class. On occasion I have the privilege of encouraging groups of women in their walk of faith. I once traveled half-way around the globe to lead Bible study.

But do I know Him?

God's own people missed Him. In John 5:39 Jesus says to the Jewish leaders, "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!"

One of Jesus' disciples nearly missed Him. "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am?" (John 14:9)

I realize this question is a lot to ask. But it is a question worth asking of ourselves more than every once in a while; more like each day.

Father, do I know You?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24)