I Know You
We all know someone. It’s good to know someone, perhaps several folks with whom we interact as we traverse this life. In fact, some seek to know, or be known by as many as possible as if this makes them more popular. I’m not sure how it works, but some even make their living by being known on social media and for the influence they exert on others. In adolescence, there seems to be a great desire for knowing others as young folks seek acceptance of their peers. This type of association can often produce undesirable results.
Sometimes, when we should know someone, we don’t. For instance, my wife and I visited a larger congregation with a family member who attended there. While there, someone, a member of that congregation cordially spoke to us. Afterward we asked, “Who was that?” Our family member responded, “I have no idea. I don’t know everyone here.” My thoughts – Aren’t you part of the same family, the same body that meets here? How can one NOT KNOW their brothers and sisters when they meet together weekly? Of course, the larger the group, the harder it is to know everyone. This shows that folks may be acquaintances, yet not know one another.
However, it is of extreme importance, yes, of eternal importance that we know and are known properly while we spend our time on earth. Few seem to believe there is guilt by association. Did not the Holy Spirit, through the pen of Paul, warn the early church about this in 2Corinthians 6:14-18? These brethren, and by extension, all Christians, are warned about being unequally bound with unbelievers. Verses 17-18 are clear as to what is required. One must “come out from among them, and be ye separate”, and “touch not the unclean thing”. When these conditions are met, God promises to be a Father unto them, and they will be (faithful) sons and daughters. He would know them and they would know Him. How do we know this? The commandments of God will be kept in love. 1John 2:3-4 affirms that if we know Him, we will keep His Commandments. Those who say they do, yet don’t are liars.
It should not have to be pointed out, but because so many fail to see it, let’s remind folks that those “of the world” do not know God. Yet, because God loves the world, some are naive enough to think they know God, and are known of Him. Yes, God knows all, but those that don’t have a relationship with Him according to His New Testament Word, do not know Him. This was also true of Jesus’ time on earth, and God’s people under the Old Testament Law (Jews). The Pharisees and many other of the Jews claimed to know God, yet, had changed God’s Law with their traditions (Mark 7:9). In the record of John 10:14, in another conversation with these Pharisees, Jesus said, I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
But we also see that there are those not known (recognized) by the Lord. In Matthew 25:12b, as Jesus taught about the kingdom, He taught about some who failed to remain prepared, but slept while the bridegroom tarried. To these He said - Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Did the Lord not say the good shepherd knows His sheep and they know Him? What changed? Is there something we’re not seeing here? In Luke 13:27, we are told what has changed. - But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. The key is “whence ye are”. Those who fail to keep the Lord’s Commandments do not continue to love Him, so they no longer knew Him, and He does not know them. “Whence ye are” means in their present state of disobedience. This aligns perfectly with 1John 2:3 which tells how we can know Him. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
It seems apparent by their actions that they also did not love God. Nearly everyone claims to love God, and claim that since they love God, they know Him and He knows them. Where’s the evidence of that love? (Matthew 7:20). 1John 5:3 tells what evidence is seen in those who love God. This verse also shows that keeping God’s Commandments are not burdensome. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. Those who foolishly think serving God is ‘too hard’ are selfish. They are not willing to yield themselves to God, or give up their will for the Will of God. Therefore, “whence they are” is separated from God as they continue to live in disobedience to His Word and His Will.
God has offered His love to all in the sending of His Son to die on Calvary’s cross, shedding His precious blood, purchasing the church, and making it possible for souls to be saved. 1Jno 3:1 tells of the great blessing this is to mankind. But those who (the world) reject them (God’s Commands) cannot be called “sons of God”. Neither can they “know God” as long as refuse to obey the gospel or if they do not remain faithful. This is also what separates the world from the church. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Do you not want to “know God”? Do you not want Him to “know you”? All one has to do is love God and keep His Commandments, including obeying the gospel and remaining faithful until death. 1Corinthians 8:3 tells us - But if any man love God, the same is known of him. If we love Him, we’ll keep His Commandments. And when time is no more, and that great judgment day has arrived, we’ll hear the Words of Matthew 25:23 whereby we’ll know Him for eternity – Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
