April 15
DebDay 32: From Knowing about to Knowing
I pretty much already knew what my wife does at work. I knew she coaches and assists college students to get and keep jobs. I knew she also helps former military students secure the financial support for education their time in the service earned them. I've even gone over to UAS to help her on occasion.
Deb oversees two separate departments. Each department is staffed by one person. Her. Therefore, her people management skills are top drawer. No office drama whatsoever.
But I'll admit this. I knew (in theory) what she does. But now I've (actually) witnessed what she does. I've seen her interacting with people on her laptop screen. Unless I shut my office door, I've overheard the many phone calls she places or receives. She's like a full on wisdom and expertise ATM.
This home detention has allowed me to now know, experientially, what my wife does for work. I'll admit, I'm really impressed.
This got me thinking.
Is it possible we know a lot about Jesus, but don't necessarily know Him?
Is it possible we read our Bibles for information, or encouragement, or comfort, or self-help...all the while void of a growing, ever-deepening relationship with Jesus?
It's totally possible. I've tested this hypothesis in the lab of my own devotional life.
Psalm 24:1-6 tells me, "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell in therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob."
What's the take away?
God made everything. Check.
Those who "ascend the hill" (to the Temple) are qualified thus permitted to do so. Check.
These righteous ones will be blessed by the Lord. Check.
It's the last verse. Those who seek him, who seek His face are righteous. Here's one of those times when linguistics hold the key...
The ones who seek the face of the Lord are made righteous BECAUSE they seek the face of the Lord.
(That's gospel!)
It's like Jesus is saying, "Don't be like demons. Don't be content to simply know about me; Know Me. Let's enjoy a relationship that saves you, where I give you my own righteousness."
Kind of like really knowing what my wife does for work.
Because now I've seen it. For real.
-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau
