“Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'”
“Someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’ He said,.. ‘Many will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, “Sir, open the door for us.” Then you will say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!”’” Luke 10:38-43; 13:23-27
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me.’” Matthew 7:21-23
The disciples grew more and more acquainted with Jesus as they spent time with Him, moving over their short years together from curiosity through confusion to, after His death, resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost, unfettered commitment. Knowing about became an intimate knowing of Him by the work of Spirit and faith. God came in flesh so His children could know Him personally.
Trouble with spiritual intimacy stems from misunderstanding and barriers. Much of our earthly lives revolves around information, familiarity, and interactions that never move below the surface. We accrue knowledge and expertise without fully engaging and being transparent with others. We grow accustomed to siloed thinking, planning, and doing, eschewing closeness that would require accountability, or appropriating another’s preferences. It’s simpler and safer to live for ourselves and skirt vulnerability and full investment.
But the world’s thinking is the enemy’s ruse. We’re not called to conform to individualism and selfishness, but to be transformed to the self-sacrificial nature of Christ. (John 13:34; 15:13; Romans 12:1 –2)
Have we grown proud in shallow acquaintances, a plethora of topics and people we know about? What keeps us from genuine intimacy? What shame do we coddle, what secrets do we guard, that prevent sincerity and closeness with the Lord Jesus? To what frenetic activity are we addicted that prevents unhurried contemplation of the holy One? Where have we settled for cursory activity, soundbites, and attendance with no heart investment or application? What will we do about it? When we cry Lord, Lord, are we only in need, or in love? To really know God is to choose the good portion of the time He allots.
Lord, increase my passion to know You. Please help me every day to keep You before my face, first in my heart and mind, so You are exalted and glorified. (Exodus 33:13,18)
As the rain and snow 