I'm again very thankful for the chance to read Oswald Chamber's wonderful devotional. As I have already resolved to be more faithful and regular in my daily devotions, this is the reinforcement I need.
"Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me?" John 14:9
Recently my friend Grace, of Tampa, said, "I realized, while struggling with my problems, that I didn't really know Jesus until this year." Of course she is a mature Christian lady. I thought she might be looking for a deeper emotional experience or discounting her former faith. In fact, she was struggling just as Philip was, when Jesus said, "Don't you know me Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?"
The fact is, knowing Jesus isn't something we "learn". It's a constant relationship, a friendship. Jesus called his disciples, "Friends'. [John 15:15] As Chambers says, "Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ." So my whole direction in 2009 isn't to be a better person, a better preacher, or a more spiritual man at all! It is to personally "lift up Jesus" [John 12:32] in my own personal devotions, and to lift him up in preaching and teaching. That's all.
Lord, have your way with me, that I may do this alone: to lift up Jesus. Send revival to us when we lift up Jesus. Draw all men to yourself as we who serve you give our whole thought to lifting you up, Lord. Forgive me for my sins, and cleanse my selfish mind and ways to be wholly devoted to you, my Lord.
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