Anna, our dear missionary friend from Brazil, visited us this past week. Sunday evening she shared an encouraging verse from Daniel (11:32b): “… but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Since an exploit is ‘a daring deed or heroic act’ I perked up, thinking this might have something to do with future ‘tales to tell.’ But while Anna mentioned the wonderful purposes our heavenly Father has for each believer, her emphasis was on these words: “… the people who know their God…”
God can use a donkey to accomplish his will but his great desire is to be in close relationship with each of us. One of the most jolting passages of Scripture tells of people recounting their wonderful exploits. “Jesus, we preached in your name! We performed miracles! We even drove out demons!” Yet Jesus said, “Depart from me. I never knew you.” Of course God knows every person who has ever lived, but Jesus taught: “It does not matter what mighty things you say you’ve done, if you have not been in relationship with me, I don’t even recognize you.”
How often do we put the cart before the horse? “Look at these mighty plans I’m accomplishing for God!” we boast, while Jesus asks, “Do you know me?” The one who knows God does not take credit… for he understands grace is the reason for the relationship. “God drew me and taught me… through his Son. I listen and obey. I just want to know him better. I’ve failed many times, but I forget the past and press on toward this goal of knowing my Lord.” Paul wrote such things.
“You don’t know my Father at all!” Jesus said this to the religious of Israel and his words still echo. “Here’s the truth: You care more about your reputation than about doing right. Those who know my Father seek his praise… not the praise of men. You prove you don’t know my Father when you fail to practice mercy. ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ You’d do well to search out the meaning. You don’t even recognize a good man when he’s in your midst. If you don’t see God in me then you don’t know my Father.”
Jesus knows what we need – life. “I have come that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly. This life does not consist of gaining more stuff or becoming more prominent; don’t even worry about such things. The pagans are consumed with this thinking. Seek God first and his righteousness and trust that your heavenly Father will supply what you need. Hunger and thirst for what is most important – eternal life. And this is eternal life: knowing God and knowing the Son he sent.”
“This is what the Lord says, ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24