Known not just Known About

S - "GOD called again, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, “I heard you call. Here I am.” Again Eli said, “Son, I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” (This all happened before Samuel knew GOD for himself. It was before the revelation of GOD had been given to him personally.)" 1 Samuel 3:6-7 MSG

 

O - This ancient event and text identify one of heaven's essential desires for all people.  The desire? That each of us would know GOD for ourselves, a relational exchange given to us individually, personally.  Religion is satisfied for people to believe its presentation of the facts about God.  It creates adherents, devotees and enthusiasts.  It develops gatherings, rituals, programs and organizational structure based on the information it presents. It calls people to believe in God the way 330 million Americans believe in Abraham Lincoln. Heaven has no such desire.  

 

A - Knowing someone and knowing about someone (regardless of how many facts about them are possessed) is not the same thing. Jesus of Nazareth clarifies eternal life with this same dynamic. "This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent." The beauty for me is not only can God and Jesus actually be known/experienced but we are also known by them. We are not just known about by heaven (the way the IRS knows about us).  We are known, loved and wanted even at our worst.  WOW! 

 

P - God who invites us to know,

Am so very grateful for you and your kingdom which is relationships. For the great dignity of choice given to us all so that we would have and grow in an actual relationship with you. I admit that I can't make you do your part and you won't make me do mine.  We choose together.  

Am grateful to live and pray in Jesus,

Steve