Knowing Jesus Brings LIfe

"Today's Devotion" For October 21, 2005

Read: I John 5:18-21; John 8:12-32

KNOWING JESUS BRINGS LIFE

"And we are in Him who is true--even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (I Jn. 5:20b)

Knowledge is a critical need for human beings. In order to succeed at anything, knowledge is essential. If you don't know what to do, don't understand the parameters of the endeavor, or haven't got a clue as to the end result of the effort there's a pretty good chance you'll get nowhere fast. What we know and who we know are critical components of our lives, especially when we strive to accomplish something that's meaningful and worthwhile with our lives. There are some who would say that "it's not what you know, but who you know" that will help you achieve your goals. Others would say that knowledge is power, and that the more you know, the better off you will be in your quest for success. Our knowledge concerning the world around us is tested by teachers, driver's license examiners, professional licensing agencies, and scores of groups and associations which provide the "necessary" credentials for success in the world. There can be no doubt that what you know - the depth, breadth, and volume of knowledge you hold between your ears - is essential to what one accomplishes in life.

While knowledge by the world's standards is critical for success in life, John points us to a very different kind of knowledge - a knowledge that's not critical for success in life, but which is critical for our life with God and our hope for eternal life. As God's children we are blessed to know, John reminds us, that we have been called out of the world to be His redeemed ones in Christ Jesus. Knowing God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus guides us into living in a manner that's different from the rest of the world. Knowledge of God's love for us in Christ Jesus leads us to seek to live a Godly life by the power of God's Word and Spirit. As baptized children of our Father in heaven, He has blessed us to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, working faith in our hearts so that we might have true life in Christ.

John very clearly reminds us that we live as God's children in a world under the control of the devil. He's been defeated by Jesus, but until the Judgment Day he is still "a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). Knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord we resist the devil, "steadfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:9) confident that in Christ we shall overcome every temptation and remain firmly in God's hands. Our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world and has defeated Satan. By faith we know that in Christ Jesus we can live our lives as God's dearly beloved children, sharing Christ's love with one another and with those who need to know Him. Knowing Jesus our lives stand as evidence that we are the children of God. Knowing Jesus we live as forgiven people, filled with hope and peace. Knowing Jesus we come before the throne of God's grace, covered in the righteousness of Christ, and approach God as our true Father Who is infinitely patient with us in spite of our sins; not as an angry Judge waiting to pounce on our every mistake and sin.

In the end Who we know and what we know about Him is what's most important for true success in life. Knowing Jesus and His love and forgiveness for us is what gives life meaning and purpose. Sharing His love and forgiveness with others shapes our lives and guides our paths. Knowing Jesus Christ, for God's children, is truly the only "what you know" and "Who you know" that counts for anything.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for sending Jesus into my life and heart so that I might know You and Your love for me. Help me to be an effective witness of Your love in Christ to everyone I meet each day. Guide me to greater knowledge and faith in Jesus that I might never be led astray from Your Will and purpose for my life. Keep me faithful to the truth that knowing Jesus brings life, so that I never cease to share Him with others so they, too, might have the hope and promise of eternal life You have given to me. Hear me gracious Father for Jesus' sake. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.