There are many things in life that are worth pursuing. For example, a fine education, a promising career, and financial security are frequently pursued with great vigor. Interestingly, once these pursuits come to fruition, they frequently lead to a false sense of self-worth and fulfillment. There is nothing wrong with pursuing these interests; however, if our primary focus is limited to these or other pursuits, we will assuredly miss the greatest pursuit of life – KNOWING GOD. It demands that we accept His revelation of Himself which, in turn, leads us to a changed life.
In Jeremiah chapter 9, Israel is in a bad situation. There is a pronouncement of future judgment upon the nation because of Israel’s decision to trust in other things rather than the one true God. God spoke these words to Israel, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might; let not a rich man boast of his riches,” verse 23. Placing human achievements first in our lives will never bring true meaning, value, or fulfillment that we all crave; however, knowing God will. To know God means to know Him beyond being a mere acquaintance. It involves more than attaining information gathered from a book, being fascinated about His abilities, or even having emotional religious experiences. Knowing God means plunging to the depths of His being in a personal, intimate relationship, spending undistracted time alone with Him. Appropriately, God says that we should boast about knowing Him!
The beautiful thing about pursuing an intimate relationship with God and accepting what He reveals about Himself is that He changes us. How do we know if we are experiencing God? “I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” verse 24. We know we are experiencing God when His character begins to “rub off” on us through the pursuit of intimacy. We find ourselves doing things we normally would not do because of the change that is occurring within, change that begins to affect our normal activity. Through intimacy, God is revealing loving kindness, the unconditional mercy, grace and love that God has toward us. This loving kindness, in turn, becomes a part of who we are, and we, in turn, express it toward others.
In Jeremiah chapter 9, Israel is in a bad situation. There is a pronouncement of future judgment upon the nation because of Israel’s decision to trust in other things rather than the one true God. God spoke these words to Israel, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might; let not a rich man boast of his riches,” verse 23. Placing human achievements first in our lives will never bring true meaning, value, or fulfillment that we all crave; however, knowing God will. To know God means to know Him beyond being a mere acquaintance. It involves more than attaining information gathered from a book, being fascinated about His abilities, or even having emotional religious experiences. Knowing God means plunging to the depths of His being in a personal, intimate relationship, spending undistracted time alone with Him. Appropriately, God says that we should boast about knowing Him!
The beautiful thing about pursuing an intimate relationship with God and accepting what He reveals about Himself is that He changes us. How do we know if we are experiencing God? “I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” verse 24. We know we are experiencing God when His character begins to “rub off” on us through the pursuit of intimacy. We find ourselves doing things we normally would not do because of the change that is occurring within, change that begins to affect our normal activity. Through intimacy, God is revealing loving kindness, the unconditional mercy, grace and love that God has toward us. This loving kindness, in turn, becomes a part of who we are, and we, in turn, express it toward others.
Have a great day!
