Well, what do you know!
The expression of mild astonishment is common. What may not be so common is the understanding of ‘know’.
In Bible language to know speaks routinely of intimate interpersonal nearness. Adam knew his wife and she conceived and bore a son.
We know Jesus, not in his material form but by the Spirit who dwells within us. This level of knowing carries more depth and richness than the ‘tightest’ of human relations.
Rather than overthinking the language of “I never knew you”, what if we caught the reality that Jesus is actually calling us straight from his heart to the exact opposite.
As beloved sheep of his pasture, we turn our gaze away from ourselves and simply choose moving nearer the heart of our good Shepherd. His disciples (his sheep) grow to recognize, then relish, his words,
“My sheep hear my voice. I know them. They follow me”.*
The shepherd and sheep image offers up a good picture of what “abiding in Christ” is to look like.
Good Shepherd-Jesus initiates the relationship, “I have come to seek and to rescue wandering sheep. They are lost”. He lifts us from whatever pit we’ve plummeted into in our strayings. Having come to our rescue, he begins tenderly strengthening the bond between himself and us. This journey into routine closeness moves forward to the measure we respond to his Spirit’s promptings, “They hear my voice. They follow me”.
Every ‘yes’ to the good shepherd’s promptings (in prayer, in sitting with scripture, in worship) fosters more knowing. Intimacy, by its nature requires both parties to engage. Our Lord calls, we lean in to listen. He counsels, we respond as best we know to. We worship, he draws nearer yet.
By such means we find ourselves being changed from within. Our connection with God has shifted. The superficial level of knowing him recedes as he ushers us step by obedient step toward and into to his ‘green pastures’. Our knowledge of Jesus grows at the interior level and we can’t help but savor the fragrance of his nearness. We are certain we will never be content with anything less than his close, shepherding companionship.
©2023 Jerry Lout
What a lovely thought of ‘knowing’ Him deeper by a closer relationship of intimacy. Thank you!
Thank you, Rebecca
Hey my good friend,
Thanks for the great message. I’ve been confronting “superficial faith” lately. This shift in connection has me a little baffled, yet I feel more authentic. Does that resonate?
Keep up the good work!
Glad you’re experiencing increased freedom in the Jesus-journey. Thanks, Kenny.