The Bible says that eternal life lies in knowing God. There must be something really special about knowing God. How can we do that? We can’t do it without Jesus. But Jesus died for us so we could know God. If we receive this gift of grace, we are free to get to know God. Other religions teach that we need to first become good to approach God. But Christianity boldly proclaims that all we need is Jesus.

Jesus looked for sinners to come as they are.
Jesus came so we could be cleansed by his blood.
Jesus is the way back to God.

And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent. (John 17:3, AMP)

This is indeed eternal life that we may know God. That we may perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand God. Jesus himself demonstrated how to know God and live with him. What then can we learn from Jesus about knowing God?

First of all, he spent time with God the Father. Jesus went away in solitude to be with him. He prayed often. He listened to God. He did his will. He served other people. He knew the Scriptures. All these things will bring us to know God too.

We all do fail in our pursuit of God once in a while. But the secret is persistence. When we consistently keep on knocking (entering into the presence of God), seeking (cultivating a relationship with God), and asking for help in our daily lives, we are getting to know God in the process.

God is so much bigger and more amazing that we can ever imagine. But he wants to be known. He wants to interact with his children. He wants to listen to our joys and worries and he wants to guide us. He wants to be our everything.

What is our response? Do we want to run to God? Or do we stay behind? Sometimes I intellectually want to be with God but something holds me back. Then I have to bring my resistance to God and say ‘Give me desire to spend more time with you’.

God is not proud, like C.S. Lewis says, he always wants us, even when we don’t want him. And the Holy Spirit will enable us to desire to know God, to abide in him, to love him. And that’s when eternal life embraces us. That’s when we experience grace upon grace. That’s when all is well with our soul. Now and forever.

 

Gracious God,
Enable us to always desire to spend time with you.
Draw us near day by day.
Show us how we can get to know you better.Fill our hearts and minds of you.
Become our everything.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you get to know God?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you get to know God more intimately!

Photo courtesy of Kevin Carden, design by Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Thought-Provoking Thursday, Faith-filled Fridays.