And I will profess to them, I never knew you: Depart from me, ye that work iniquity. – Matthew 7:23
There is probably no verse that I think about more than this one. I think it is because the people Jesus mentions in the previous two verses really think they are good to go. They honestly think that because they did stuff for Him that they are fully worthy of heaven. I’ve often wondered what I would say if I were given the chance. If I know beforehand that my preaching, teaching, Bible reading, witnessing, and church attendance is of no value when it comes to my entrance into heaven . . . what would I say? What could I say?
I think one of the main points of the story is that it doesn’t matter if we know Him when it comes to going into heaven. That sounds bad, I know, but He doesn’t say, “I will profess to them, you didn’t know me.” He says, “I didn’t know you.” I can say all I want, “I know the President of the United States,” I could even study and learn all kinds of facts about him, but if I show up to the White House expecting to go see him in the Oval Office, I’m not getting in unless the president knows me.
With that being said, I think I’d go to every moment in my life where God reached down and touched my life. I might start by saying, “Lord, when I was sixteen, I know You forgave me of my sins and planted new life into my spirit right there at that lake landing that I still love to visit.” Then, I might add, “And Lord, years later when I almost quit serving You because I thought You were ripping me off and I was missing out on “fun” that I really should have called “sin,” You led me to that church service and filled me up with the Holy Spirit . . . I’ve never been the same since. So many times, when I would have fallen, You picked me up, dusted me off, and encouraged me to keep walking. On my own I would have fallen away a thousand times never to return, but You . . . You never gave up on me. You know me, Lord.”
Lord, thank You so much for the 31-year relationship that we have developed. I have wronged You more times than I can count, yet You are always there teaching me in all of it. Where would I be without You? The fact that the God of the Universe knows me is nothing short of amazing. The fact that You will make Yourself known to any and every humble and willing heart is a miracle. May all who read this today be known by You. Help us to be the light that so shines before men. Make us different. Make us holy. Make us like You. Amen!