Scripture

Thus says Yahweh, “Let not a wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast in his might; let not a rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.

~Jeremiah 9:23-24, LSB

Quote

What higher, more exalted, and more complelling goal can there be than to know God?

~J.I. Packer {Knowing God, p.34}

Marie Antoinette was the last queen of France before the bloody French revolution. She was an Austrian by birth and came from a noble family of rank and priviledge. She was married to Louis XVI. Both were tried and beheaded during the revolution. Before the revolution, Marie Antoinette was a woman who had it all {so to speak}; she had wealth, luxury, power, servants, entertainment, jewels, an endless wardrobe and food and drink of her choice. Yet Marie suffered from what some described later as the “Fever of the Soul.” She was not satisfied and made the remark after a meal was served, “Nothing taste.” Life to her was bland, a bore or a bad joke. By the way, while she feasted on luxury and pleasure, thousands of French peasants were starving right outside her front door.

Millons today are suffering from this same “Soul Fever.” The more they get, the more dissatisfied they become. Everything becomes a bore because nothing seems worthwhile. What makes life worthwhile is a high and noble goal. Some high objective that captures our imagination and our allegiance. What higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God. Jesus said in John 17:3, And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Getting to know someone takes effort, it does not happen by default and getting to know another human being is more difficult than getting to know your house or back yard. As a matter of fact, the more complex a thing or person is, the more difficulty in getting to know them.

I know my office pretty well; it is very simple. My tractor and truck are more complex and although I have had them for five years, I am sure there are things these machines will do that I do not know about. I know our three cats on the front porch. I know they are waiting to be fed every morning because they are too lazy to hunt mice. I know they love to get under your feet. What I really know about them is their habits and behavior. Knowing a friend, another human being is much more complex. Several things hinder us from getting to know other people. One of the main factors is that they have to want to be known by you. We can’t know someone who doesn’t want to be known. Humans keep secrets and that complicates the process. It is very possible and most likely that you don’t really know your spouse. You may not know your children as well as you think. Our knowing other people, family or friends, is conditioned on them allowing us to know them. When they sit down with you and share their deepest heart, then and only then will you get to know them. Unless this happens, the relationship is superficial and casual. You may know their habits and behavior, but you don’t know them because they choose not to be known.

Extra

Sorry I am late. I have been to the dentist and have an abscessed tooth. It is a tooth that has already had a root canal so they are going to extract it in the morning at 9:00. Feeling much better today thanks to the doctor at the walk in clinic who gave me a shot of antibiotics. I sure hated missing the services yesterday but it was a reminder from the LORD. He can stop me anytime He chooses. Hopefully, I will be good to go by Wednesday.

I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog.