Lesson 262: TO KNOW JESUS BETTER

Army of Tennessee Chaplain David Chaltas

 

TO KNOW JESUS BETTER

The other night a friend sent out a notice regarding "what are our resolutions." I hastily replied, ‘To lose this big belt around my waist!’ I meant it, for the battle of the bulge has been an ongoing problem.

The next day I noted a sign on a church marquee that stated, ‘2010 Resolution: To Know Jesus Better.’ Those 4 words haunted me all the way home. I started thinking of my first thought and how secular it was. It was all about me and my image. To know Jesus better is the ultimate goal of life. I asked a friend about the saying, and the comment was how do I get to know Him better? I thought in order for me to explain it, I needed to do it. So I decided that I would begin knowing Jesus better. I was determined to do so and record my endeavors. My life had to once again be placed in His hands.

My first step was to earnestly pray for guidance. I asked God to forgive me of my transgressions, intercede in my life, and to guide my steps closer to the path He wished for me to walk. I asked God to give me the strength to change this old man from self-seeking to Christ-seeking. I asked for the ACW’s of life: Acceptance, Courage and Wisdom. I sought the Great Counselor, realizing I was unworthy to approach the throne, but a price had been paid by the One I wanted to know better.

I then sought direction from God’s Road Map of Life. I started reading (and made a resolution to continue reading more than last year). John 3:16 came to mind and then as I explored more chapters. I read John 17:3. “Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.” John 14:6 stated that, “I am the way, the truth and the life!' Jesus answered. “Without me no one can go to the Father.” The more I read, the more I thirsted for the truth. The more I tasted of the bread the more I needed it daily. The cleansing waters flowed over my soul are rejuvenated my yearnings. The bread of life sustained me and gave me strength to face the world.

Only Jesus Christ can set things right. His uniqueness as the only risen Savior reconciled us to God (Colossians 1:21-22: “While we were his enemies, Christ reconciled us to God by dying for us.”

Building a personal relationship takes commitment. In II Peter 1: 1-4, the Bible states, “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Here was a man by the name of Peter who knew Christ personally. He had walked with Him, held his hand and touched His body. He knew Him, yet he faltered. After denying Christ (hitting rock bottom), Peter became the rock on which the church was built. Seeking Christ, knowing Christ, helps us build the spirit and align ourselves with our Creator, though we are nothing more than poor sinners, unworthy of God’s love save for the Cross.

Now Peter offers you the gift of knowing Jesus better and having a closer walk with Him. In verse 5 of II Peter 1-5, he states, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Getting to know Jesus more each day results in having the most wondrous, exciting and eternal relationship with our all loving, wise and powerful God. It grows by the hour and the love you feel today for Christ pales in comparison of the love you will have tomorrow for Him. Growth! And just imagine; we can’t fathom His love for us! What a wondrous Savior.

Another important step is praising Him every chance you get and following the positive path of life. Learn that bad things happen to good people and rejoice with a shout for your existence, while leaning on the promises of Christ. He will never fail you though you will fail Him many, many times. You will find that your spirit will be moved by the Holy Spirit and you will be filled with a peace that passeth all understanding. Though the storms rage, you will find yourself anchored on the Rock of Ages. Paul said in Galatians 2: 20: “I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Trust and faith! Have faith in God’s ability to guide your path when you sincerely seek His help. He has been in the business forever and a day and I don’t think He will fail you.

One of the key steps to renewal and a closer walk is to fellowship with others who are trying to improve their walk with Jesus. Surround yourself with godly people and those who wish to study His Word. Grow together with friends and family who wish to better their relationship with our Almighty God.

And finally (thought there are other elements in knowing Jesus better), know your resources. Your strength comes from Him and the tools that He has provided: faith, hope, charity, trust, knowledge, wisdom, goodness, self sacrifice and humility of spirit. With these gifts from God, you can build, rebuild, renew, and rededicate yourself to a better understanding of Jesus. When He becomes your Master, your Savior, YOUR Lord, you will find that He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. IF you get closer to Him, He will get closer to you. You have His written guarantee on it. He put his Word in writing!

To know Jesus better is a great way of starting off the year. And, sure, there are other ways of knowing Him. The key is the desire to get closer with the determination to make grow a daily habit, and prosper in His love. Get to know the best friend you will ever have even better this day. Pledging to know Him better, I am determined to learn more each day. With sincere resolve, I am humbled to remain as the old general.