Intimacy with Jesus

Jan 7, 2021 at 7:14 AM
“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” (John 14:9)

Jesus said this to guide Philip. Before this, Jesus said, “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip then asked, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus lived with the disciples for three years, teaching them in word and deed, and they witnessed numerous miracles He performed. He even granted them the power to perform miracles. Yet, this still didn’t help a disciple fully know Jesus. Clearly, Philip did not. I think it’s because Philip still used his limited perspective and personal desires (needing the Father to physically appear for his own satisfaction) to know Jesus, which didn’t work.

What does it mean to know? It’s a mutual relationship. Oswald Chambers describes the relationship when Jesus calls us friends by using the terms Thought, Heart, and Spirit.

Humans (I) are limited; our physical ability, thoughts, and understanding are limited. We are filled with sin. Such a person, such as me, cannot form or sustain a connection with the almighty, supreme, holy, and glorious Jesus on a mental, heart, or spiritual level. It’s like a filthy fugitive trying to know a majestic and glorious king.

We often say a dog’s view diminishes a person. Similarly, a human’s view diminishes God. To truly know God, we need humility before Him, to acknowledge our limitations and sins, and ask God to cleanse our thoughts and motives. We must ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the ability to understand Scripture.

I have a vague understanding of how to know God, but my sin and rebellion often stop me from using these ways to know Jesus. I need the rebuke, reminders, and protection from the Helper, the Holy Spirit. I’m thankful for His help and protection because during my spiritual lows, I have no ability to save myself.

Knowing Jesus is a lifelong process. I think even at the end of life, we can’t fully know Jesus. But as Oswald Chambers said, when a disciple strives to have a closer relationship with Jesus, he finds joy. In my experience, this is true. Almost every time I start reading the Bible, I feel joy. Every time I turn even one degree toward God due to the Holy Spirit’s reminder, I feel joy. This, to me, is a miracle.

Thank God:

1. Yesterday’s meeting with C in Hangzhou went smoothly. Ended with an honest and deep exchange of thoughts and faith with Brother YC.
2. On the way back from Hangzhou, it was getting dark and almost collided with the car in front. Thank God for His protection! (There was a stretch where 6 cars collided.) (I hope “Thank God for His protection” isn’t just a correct phrase or platitude, but something I truly believe—that God is caring for and protecting me.)
3. Thank Brother XF for gifting me the English version of My Utmost for His Highest. Comparing it helps me understand more of Brother Chambers’ sharing. For instance, today’s sharing on “friendship” is described as a harmony of mind and spirit in English: Thought, Heart, Spirit. The English expression feels more complete.