to know and be known
“He (Christ) was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1: 10-12
Recognize: to correctly identify and respond
My child,
Even though Christ sculpted every magnificent particle of the universe out of absolutely nothing, many of those he created do not see him for who he is. They fail “to correctly identify and respond” to him.
Instead of seeing him as my Son, forever one with me, God incarnate, most see him as a good teacher. Good, but just a common human who came up with some memorable wise sayings.
In reality, though, if Christ is not God, but thought he was, he was certifiably insane. If he knew he was not God but tried to convince people into sacrificing everything for him, he was a sinister criminal.
The “Christ as a good teacher” theory is mankind’s most popular opinion about my Son, but utterly indefensible. No one in his right mind, with any kind of moral compass, would claim to be God if he were not. There are only three logical positions.
He was either crazed, criminal, or the Christ.
Of course, only one position aligns with reality. All created things, including you, belong to him. But even though, Christ spoke all of creation into being, many of the very ones he fashioned by his love, vigorously reject him.
Because you received Christ, you savor a forever friendship with Eternal God. That comes with so many benefits and privileges. One of those matchless blessings is to know me and be known by me. Obviously, you don’t know me the way I know you. But we have forever to improve on that.
There is no greater joy than being wholly known, fully understood, and perfectly loved by me. That is the incomparable connection I offer – to know and be known.
You can then, through my power, respond by entering into life with me and my glorious plans and purposes. I offer you the pleasure of my presence, whether we crawl through the valley of the shadow of death, or dance on lush hills sprinkled with wildflowers.
I want you to have the opportunity to endlessly share and exchange intimate thoughts and feelings with me – true communion. The created and the Creator enjoying each other forever!
The cry of your heart is answered in me. Let this practice of communion with me increasingly be your delight.
I love you,
Abba
My Abba,
As I watch my dad decline with Alzheimer’s, I see him fail “to correctly identify and respond” to people, places, and things. Reality does not morph to align with his false impressions. No matter how fervently he believes his illusions, it does not make them real.
Although his current struggle is more extreme and pervasive than what most of us experience, it does cause me to think of the battle we all face, at times, with bent perceptions. There are ways we have been deceived about you and your intentions, responded in fear or anger, and attempted to throw you out.
I am thinking about how Christ (the Galaxy Whisperer) entered his life, on the earth he created, as a fragile infant among scruffy farm animals in a grungy barn. He exited his human life through a most wretched death on a criminal’s cross. And yet, we have been mostly clueless to the costly gift of his revelation.
Please give me a greater appreciation for what it was like for Christ to set aside his glory, honor, benefits, privileges, freedom, prestige, adoration, rights and “King of Kings” status.
As his Father, how grievous it must have been to witness your Son set aside all his prominence to reach out to his created ones who, for the most part, treated him in despicable ways.
Although you opened my eyes to recognize Christ as God many years ago, I fail sometimes to see him for who he is, day by day, as I live life. Please show me every day the ways you, your Son, and your Spirit give me the gift of your presence.
Thank you that your perfect knowledge of me does not threaten your perfect love for me. The constancy of your unconditional love stills the ground under my feet, even if my whole life quivers around me.
On that steady ground of your love for me, let me increasingly revel in the joy-filled adventure of knowing and loving you.
I love you,
Mollie
photo: a. kraynova
NIV