March 06, 2024
For the devious are an abomination to the LORD, but he is intimate with the upright. (Proverbs 3:32)
To be intimate means to be close … closer than others. The dictionary says it means “marked by very close association, familiarity, or friendship.” There are only three ways to relate to God. All are possibilities.
THE UNKNOWING
We can refuse to know God. In our pride, we can choose to pay Him no attention and give Him no trust or obedience. Most people fall into this category. They will live and die with no relationship with their Creator and face eternity in that condition. They have decided they do not need a Savior nor a perfect Father and friend.
THE DISTANT CHILD
There are some who have come to know Christ initially, but that is all. They have trusted in Him as their Savior. For whatever reason, they have never grown in their relationship with Him, like a bride who marries her husband but never talks to him or grows closer. What a tragedy to have access to His presence but never enjoy all the riches of knowing and experiencing Him! They do not know how deeply their distance grieves the Father.
INTIMATE SONS AND DAUGHTERS
But then there are those happy people who have come into a relationship with Christ and are ever-growing with Him. They come to know His mind and heart through the study of His Word, prayer, and surrendered following. They are enriched by brothers and sisters who also know Christ and their family relationships build them. Through the years, they lay aside anything that might hinder their fellowship with God and each other. They don’t want to grieve or quench His Spirit so that they can know Him more and more. Like Paul, they live to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.
The most remarkable phenomenon is that they discover the Lord wants to be intimate with them! As the years go by, they see the perfection of His love for them. That even His training and disciplines are driven by deep affection. They discover that the Lord delights in them, just as a father is thrilled by their son or daughter.
They gain their father’s wisdom and are trained by the Ultimate Teacher. They are protected by His care and overwhelmed by His peace. Each day reveals more of His limitless mind. Through Christ, they set their mind on things above (for they have access to heaven) and they see earth and heaven clearly. As they walk with Christ He explains everything to them. Nothing is hidden. Every person and circumstance in their life leads to growth and good, for their Father wastes nothing as He conforms them to the image of His Son—everything they could ever want they find in Him.
Why would you choose to ignore the Father? Why would you not do everything necessary to lean upon His breast and learn of Him? If you do, you will discover He has gladly chosen to give you His kingdom, and all of heaven is at your disposal. And you will find that the greatest treasure is simply to know and be known by Him!
December 20, 2024
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