March 2

Knowing And Following

So let us know—let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. — Hos 6:3 BSB

Some people don’t seem eager to grow in their knowledge of God. They haven’t caught the vision from heaven. To them, religion is just repeating the same prayers they’ve said for years and reading the same portions of Scripture. While this is better than nothing, they can’t relate to David’s longing like a deer thirsting for water, or to Jesus’ blessing for those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

But others have a deep desire to go further. Like the Apostle Paul, they are pressing toward the goal, even though it seems distant. They’re like the blind man whom Jesus healed, who at first saw people as trees walking, but later, after a second touch, saw everything clearly. Is there anyone reading this who doesn’t long for that kind of clarity and vision, to truly know God? Let’s not give up on that pursuit. When the final lesson is learned, the last act of surrender made, and faith reaches its fullness, the barrier will be lifted, and we will know what Pascal meant when he wrote, “The world hasn’t known You, but I have. Joy! Joy! Tears of joy!” As Paul said, “Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

God has a unique way for each of us. “His coming is as certain as the dawn, and He will come to us like the rain” (Hosea 6:3). Some people are struck by a sudden awareness of the reality of the eternal world. Others, during Communion, are overwhelmed by the love of Jesus. At any moment, a door to heaven may open, or we may suddenly look up and see His face, like Paul exclaiming, “The Lord is near!” We will see His hand beckoning us, and we will rise to follow Him into that realm of love and reality that is closer than we often realize.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, grant us this second sight! Lift us above the clouds and darkness of this life, so we can walk with You in the light of Your presence and glory. Amen.