What I want to declare to you is not a truth that, in the first place, you can comprehend or apprehend … but a truth that apprehends you, comprehends you. This declaration is about creating an opportunity for the truth to get a grip on you. This declaration is at best the opening of a window which reveals a landscape, a sight far greater than can be comprehended at once. When God reveals Himself the inevitable response is awe … adoration. If you think that you can take a hold of and possess what you see, then you haven’t seen God – you’ve seen something far inferior.
If, in all we say, we simply inform one another, help one another to better order our concepts of God, then we have failed in our communication. The power of our testimony lies not in what we know, but in who knows us. “…now that you know God—or rather are known by God” (Gal 4:9). To know God is of immeasurable value, but there is something even more valuable, even more astounding: we are known by Him! I believe that this gospel is much more than an orderly human doctrine of God; this gospel is the power of God unto salvation. This gospel originates in the heart of God and both its declaration and the faith it stirs are gifts of God – not inventions of man.
Well said, even the lambs that were offered in the old testament was not a product of mans effort but God’s love to man as we can not produce a lamb by our own effort. Gods perfect gift of redemption draws us closer and closer to the giver until we are one as God has always known us to be! We are gifts to one another from the heart and mind of the giver!
“until we are one as God has always known us to be” Wow! Its so easy to ‘become’ when you realize that you ‘are’. What He sees is eternal reality – what we see is subject to change.
Awsome Andre .
Our restless quest to find Him , to know who we are , ends and begins in this moment of illumination when the Spirit whipsers into our hearts “KNOWN” by Him from before the foundation of the ages . Andre , your name was mentioned in the counsels of the Godhead . Here in this place of knowing we are known , we discover who we are and find each other in Him ….Oh the wonder of this mystery revealed in us , is the eternal throbbing and pulsating heart beat in every awakened heart . We are made for his pleasure , he loves our company and looks forward to each encounter with us with eager anticipation . Andre all the wealth of the riches of his glory and grace lie in comprehending this incomprehensible truth …NOT THAT WE KNOW HIM BUT THAT HE KNOWS US …..A million halleujahs…Roddy
Roddy, your words are such an inspiration – thank you. You have captured something of that moment of encounter, the moment we realise that we are indeed the focus of His affection … He is mindful of us. Glory!