“And this is life eternal—that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent.”
John 17:3
It’s more than walking an aisle, being baptized, memorizing Bible verses or doing good deeds.
Eternal life.
What is this? Is it simply an “inward assurance” that we’re saved, forgiven of our sins and assured of a Home in Heaven when we die? Or, is there more to it? And, has our focus too often been on the wrong place?
According to today’s Manna, it has.
How moving were Jesus’ words to His disciples that night in the upper room after Judas had gone out as He shared of what was to come (13:31-17:26). Why did He wait until after the Son of Perdition left (13:30) to impart such intimate words of consolation?
Simply because only those who truly love Him can understand and appreciate them.
Although some of them were painfully pointed (13:36-38; cf. Lk. 22:31-34), the general tone of them was loving and reassuring. He talked of “going to prepare a Place for them” (14:1-4)… of a Comforter the Father would send (14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14). . .of His indescribable, one-of-a-kind Peace (14:27). . .of the importance of “abiding in Him” (15:1-7), which would sustain them when the world rejected them (15:18-25; 16:31-33). . .and how they need not fear because of what would be shortly transpiring (16:16-28).
But, none of those words are more moving than His prayer in 17:1-26.
Even now, we can almost see Him looking upward and begin talking with His Father in a most intimate way: “Father, the hour is come (the hour of My death); glorify (honor) Your Son, that Your Son may also glorify You” (v.1).” Then our Lord talked about “giving eternal life to those whom the Father had given Him” (v.2).
And, what was this “eternal life”?
That we “might know the only true God and Jesus Christ, the One He sent.”
Read those words again, Pilgrim:
Eternal life is “knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, the One He sent.”
No wonder we’re so miserable and powerless in our pilgrimage of faith!
We’ve been emphasizing the wrong things! Abel knew what it was. Noah knew what it was. Abraham knew what it was. Joseph knew what it was. David knew what it was. The Apostle Paul later on would know what it was (Phil. 3:10).
It’s “knowing Him.”
Say those words again: “Knowing Him.” Spending time with Him. Communing with Him. Relying and resting on Him. Being conscious of His indwelling Presence each moment of every day. Being loved on by Him and loving Him with every part of our being. Filling our mind with thoughts of Him and our mouths with words of thanksgiving and praise. That’s eternal life. Hallelujah!! Start enjoying it today by getting to know Him better.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated August 12, 2009
