Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 7:21, ESV)
Many have heard about God. Many have talked about God. Many have read about God and participated in “religious” activities around God. But they still don’t know God.
Imagine coming before the altar of the Lord with another to exchange vows. It is a beautiful wedding service. You have a great reception. But at the end of the day, you go to your home, and the other person goes to a different home. You don’t live together. You don’t talk or communicate other than an occasional Sunday dinner or getting together during the holidays. That is not a picture of a marriage.
But that is the picture of the relationship that many try to have with God. They try to remain close to God but not too close. He is not part of their everyday life. He is not brought into their home. He is an acquaintance who is kept at arm’s length. They might meet with him occasionally when they have a need he can serve. And indeed, he will help in a time of need. Yet, God does not desire to be pursued as a heavenly helper alone, but as our Heavenly Father.
We might seek a relationship with God, but too often we try to keep that relationship is on our terms.
- We seek him as a Savior to save us, but not as Lord to direct us.
- We seek him as a comforter to console us, but not as a confronter to move us to repentance.
- We week him as a friend to advise us, but not as a King to rule us.
- We seek him as our helper in a time of need. But resist becoming his servant to extend his kingdom.
- We seek him as a giver and provider, but not as the recipient of our praise and worship.
If we are to know him, we will know him fully. At when the last day comes, there will be many who will hear:
“I never KNEW you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:23, ESV)
Did you catch it? Jesus says, “I never ‘KNEW’ you!” Maybe they knew something about him, but they didn’t really know him.
The good news is that God makes himself known to us. He doesn’t wait for us to get to know him, he comes to know us. There is nothing in our life of which God is unaware. As much as we may try to keep our distance, God is pushing closer. You don’t need to chase him because he is already with you. He is making himself known, if you want to know him – and know him fully.
Reflection
- How do you try to keep God as an acquaintance at arms length?
- What does it mean to you that God is already present in your life?
- How are you pursuing deeper intimacy with the Lord?
Betty says
Your blog reminded me of Jacob and his surprise wife Leah. I’m thankful that Leah stuck with Jacob and with the marriage. In the end, Jacob was buried with her and not with Rachel.