Are you saved? (Part II)

To Know You Are Known

People.com (2024)

Rhee was married at a very young age. He was older, cooler, more wise and promised to make her a star. He did everything he thought was necessary to help his wife follow her dreams, including shady deals, lies and cheating to ensure he got what he believed she wanted.

Despite claiming all the credit when things went well, he was jealous when his bride got the fame, the applause, the ability to use her talent and skills to fulfill her dreams of singing to packed halls, hearing her own record on the radio, and making appearances on TV.

On the night that Aretha Franklin was crowned “Queen of Soul”, Ted gave her a black eye backstage, before her performance. Covered by makeup and a painted smile, she accepted the award and waved to her fans. Then she locked her husband out of her dressing room as the only way to ensure she was safe.

Ted said a lot and did a lot in the claim of love for Aretha, but did he really know her?

Did he care enough to know her desires, fears and depth of insecurities she carried? Did this knowing move from adoration to surrender of his own demons in order to learn to behave differently? With all the cheating, lies, manipulation and beatings wrapped up in soft kisses and expensive presents with the words “I’m sorry” and “I love you” thrown around like confetti, I’m not surprised Aretha desperately sang about finding a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

In Matthew 7, Jesus says “many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform miracles?”

Jesus states that there will be many who say “Lord, Lord”, affirming that those who call out to Jesus as Lord, using royal and subject language may not be willing to submit themselves to a deep and transforming relationship with him.

Did we not say that we loved you?

Did we not do good things in your name?

Did we not use your generous spirit to bless ourselves, and maybe a few around us?

We came to church every Sunday. We invited a friend to join us. We gave generously. We served. We signed up for Bible study, led Bible studies, recited prayers and sent our kids to every church camp and program we could.

Lord, Lord, haven’t we done enough to meet the mark? Will we enjoy our heavenly rewards?

“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you…”” (Matthew 7:23, NIV)

How does your spouse take their coffee?

What is your child’s favorite meal?

How do you know these things?

You know these people.

You spend time with these people. You do more than blindly provide their orders; you are in a relationship. And, if you don’t know, you wouldn’t be afraid to ask because they know they are so loved by you they can answer truthfully.

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.” Tim Keller

When we are able to take our armor off, the shields of appearance, meeting expectations and striving to be liked, we open to the opportunity to be seen for who we truly are. We open the door to be fully loved, for all of me, even the broken parts.

This is what Jesus is offering: a real, un-groomed, vulnerable and deeply known relationship. Not empty claims or actions. Not a weak salvation only reserved for those who say enough, do enough, preach enough, invite enough, give enough.

No. Christ extends the real thing, a real relationship without a scorecard of good sayings and doings or a long list of things done in the name of Jesus without ever knowing Jesus. Instead we are invited into an unarmored, vulnerable and willing to be liberated relationship with Jesus directly that leads to life anew with God and others too!

This kind of knowing and being known changes us, from the inside out, into a person that gives, serves, invites and shares out of obnoxious overflow instead of blind obedience. This relational trust builds continually, leading us to walk into the ocean with full confidence the waves will part, even if our heads are completely submerged before they do.

Knowing God’s love, ways and will while being known by God is what real discipleship brings. It’s what redeems the damaged. It’s what repairs the cuts. It’s what welcomes us home, with arms wide and kisses falling while we are still a long way off. It rolls stones away, visits us in our locked rooms and reminds us of the power already within to go, live and share this known love generously.

This is what God is up to, worried less about our acts to repay and more excited to keep sharing grace recklessly.

Do you know this kind of love?

Are you willing to cry out to Jesus as Lord, leaving no more room for you in that role?

Are you ready to know and be known by God more?