GETTING TO KNOW YOU

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Thursday, November 21, 2013

2Timothy [MKJV] 1:14; 2:1-2, 14-17 Guard the good Deposit given through the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. … Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. … Put them [others] in memory of these things, charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words to no profit, to the subverting of the hearers. Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their word will eat like a gangrene …

  I like getting to know people. Doing so does take time however.

  If and when there is their time available, I like to spend several individual hours with them telling me about their life from birth until that moment. Two favorite settings are project requiring tools or table involving a meal. Docs and daughters have severely curtailed the more demanding hammer and nail scenarios. So now it’s mostly conversation with condiments. (Hmmm…. Less physical activity + more food = ?) Two recent one on one diner events totaled 7.5 hours of delightful acquainting.

  It’s important that we get to know one another. Have you ever been at funeral of family member, friend, or acquaintance and were surprised at what you heard about their life? Or looked at face in casket and thought “I really don’t know this person!” Then sitting and listening to eulogy including tales of character that would have made a difference as to how you related to them while still alive.

  As Christians, the most important person we should know is Lord Jesus Christ. I’m not talking about the common usage and application of “know Him” facilitating eternal redemption. I’m speaking of knowing who and what He is.

  Knowing Him takes set-aside time with the living and written Word to speak to us of His position, character, attributes, history, and future. (Past and present are one with God, but difficult to wrap our finite minds around. Rev.1:8 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”)

  Imagine our funeral. People in audience surprised at getting to know us after death.

  Imagine arrival in the place He prepared for us (Jn.14:1-3): Standing before our Redeemer whom we really don’t know any better than the friendly UPS guy that yesterday delivered a Christmas package from Aunt Maude.

  You may already have been or have recently begun doing so, but if not: I encourage you to begin reading the Word not just for what it says about our walk this side of heaven. As you read, please also do so to get to know who and what He is.  EBB4