Dear SCC & Friends,
…this I know… ~Psalm 56:9
Reflection #187
During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s there was a move of God known as the Jesus Movement. It was predominantly driven by young people who had a deep thirst for the reality of God in their lives. A common expression was often used to distinguish between a believer and non-believer… “Does he know the Lord?” They weren’t talking about Bible scholarship (though important) or church attendance (also important) but having a personal relationship with the Lord. When I first heard that statement, it sounded presumptive and overly familiar… I mean they were talking about Almighty God… But then again, if we don’t know the Lord, all that is left is …an outward form of religion while denying its power… ~2 Tim. 3:5 God has designed our faith to be personal and relational. It was not for societies or states that Christ died, but for men. ~C.S. Lewis~ …that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings…~ Philip. 3:10 I like the resurrection part, but it’s in the fellowship of His sufferings that “the rubber meets the road…” They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses? ~Martin Luther~
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. ~John 17:3 Once we become aware that the main business that we are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord. ~J.I. Packer~ Knowing the Lord has a starting point at salvation, and through the course of life is enriched through both trial and triumph. Knowing Him is knowing the way… The way of Jesus cannot be imposed or mapped – it requires an active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar territory, in circumstances that become clear only in the hesitations and questionings, in the pauses and reflections where we engage in prayerful conversation with one another and with Him. ~Eugene Peterson~ The Lord beckons… Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. ~Matt. 11:29 We were made for these days… Keep up the good work!
To know, love and serve,
Kevin