Have you ever tried to “one-up” someone? I think most of us understand that term…it often goes something like, “Oh yeah, well I did something even better…”. I remember one time when I was just a young boy talking with some neighborhood kids. Keep in mind that I lived in a very small town where there where no famous personalities. I remember bragging about my dad by saying, “Oh yeah, well my dad is friends with the governor.” …I think that was the most important person I knew of in my 6- or 7-year-old mind at the time.
Growing up, my dad always talked a lot about politics. Ironically, it’s a topic I tend to not want to be drawn into to this very day. Oh, I want to be informed and keep my head out of the sand. But for me personally, its just better if I avoid most media and political conversations. I don’t like the way it makes me feel about people and how that effects my faith. So please don’t misunderstand me, I have the utmost respect for honest and humble people who are called to politics, and for others like Sean Feucht https://www.letusworship.us/ who have an influential political voice, and yet are combating all the negativity with a massive movement of worship that honors the Lord Jesus Christ.
Truth be told, my dad didn’t personally know the governor at all. I think he may have attended or had been present in some political meetings where the governor was present as well—but he didn’t truly “know” the governor—he just knew about him. Of course, at the time…I didn’t know that. In my mind’s eye, I thought I had a legitimate “one-up” for my little neighborhood buddies. Ha ha!
With that thought, here’s an excerpt from my book The River:
Knowing Jesus
I have been in the secular workforce for over thirty-eight years now, twenty of which were active-duty military. I have lived in six different states and one other country. Tracy and I have moved twenty-two times since our marriage. Believe me, I’m not bragging—nor complaining—but moving is a lot of work! I’m just making the point that I have worked alongside people from all walks of life. I know the churched and unchurched, and I can tell you that the majority of the people I have met identify themselves as Christian.
I am convinced however, that the vast majority of those folks (both churched and unchurched) actually have a very limited understanding of who Jesus is. Many of them have relinquished their views of Him to be dictated by either traditions or by the opinions of others, rather than by the Word of God. Sadly, far more don’t know Him by having their own personal relationship with Him. Understand this: Deception in its purist form is exhibited by satan being allowed to create false concepts of who Jesus truly is. Jesus knew this would happen. In fact, He cornered His disciples one day with the same penetrating question we are talking about today.
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So, they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:13-16).
Many of us have been brought-up with false ideas or even false teachings of who Jesus is. Depending on your background you may have a perspective of Jesus from another religious (non-Christian) background. You may recognize Jesus as an important historical figure, a wise teacher, a prophet, or you may even accurately acknowledge him as The Son of God.
Sadly, many have a Christian background or adhere to Christian beliefs which have been tainted with error or have painted a picture of Jesus that reflect a false (unbiblical) image of who he is. Notice I said “is” and not just “was.” Perhaps your perception of Jesus is not necessarily non-biblical but is just limited. Let me assure you, the God of the universe wants you to “know” Him. Contrary to what some have believed—God would never hide himself from you—Scripture simply doesn’t support that. In fact, He wants you to recognize the very whisper of His voice.
I could be in a very large noisy room full of many people talking and my wife could step into the room unannounced—say something—and I would instantly know she had arrived. Why? Because I know her. Not only do I know and recognize the sound of her voice, but I associate that voice with her personality. Upon hearing her voice, I instantly have a mind picture or association of who she is based upon my relationship with her. I could write about her in detail—describing her beautiful appearance to you, and all about her magnetic personality. But unless you really knew her personally, you would not readily identify with her as would someone who truly knew her.
Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
One of the primary differences that Christianity has with all other World religions is the fact that Jesus Christ invites people of all races, genders, and backgrounds—to know Him and have a relationship with Him—personally. Sadly though, millions of people say that they know Jesus, while yet they actually just know about Him.
p. 14-15 The River
This past January marked 41 wonderful years of marriage for Tracy and me. I have been in love with my girl since high school, and our love for one another has grown exponentially over the years. This love didn’t just happen on its own. No, we have cultivated our relationship by understanding that the more we put into our relationship, the closer we become. We thoroughly enjoy spending time together and are best friends. I realize that not every marriage is as blessed as ours, but I think most everyone can understand the significance of putting effort into a relationship. And friends, let me tell you that nothing…NOTHING in life compares to truly KNOWING Jesus Christ. He longs for everyone to open their heart to Him. It doesn’t matter what you may have done or what you may not have done, He wants you to experience His love and grow in relationship with you.
Above all, Jesus is interested in hearts. That is the primary reason why He came to this earth, lived a life of example, died a sacrificial death on the cross, and rose again in triumph…it’s all about reaching our hearts. Do you realize that the reason the majority of religious Jews in the 1st Century rejected Jesus as being the Messiah, was because they thought the true Messiah was going to come to deliver them from the political tyranny of that day? But Jesus said, “Do Not suppose that I have come to bring peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (see Matt 10:34). Clearly, the sword He was speaking of is not one of violence, but one that separates all human allegiances that do not put The Lord Jesus Christ first and do not accept His love. Fill in the blank, this is still relevant today.
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life and have it to the full.” (See John 10:10). And in Ezekiel 36:26 it says, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (NLT)
Friends, there is no question that we have been living in times of extraordinary change and uncertainty. People all around us are looking for answers and justice from officials, doctors, law enforcement, news media, and political leaders. Experts say anxiety, depression, and suicide have escalated dramatically. The whole earth seems to be shaking. But hear this, the answers or solutions to our current and future problems cannot be found by trusting in anything or anyone other than The Lord Jesus Christ. Listen, you’re not going to find truth and answers from turning on the six o’clock news or your favorite media source. Nor will your answers come from any political party or leader. The issues we are all wanting answers to are in reality issues of the heart. Hearts that are hard, stony, stubborn and self-centered. Hearts that have been robbed by a thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus is the only answer, and He said he would exchange our hearts with ones that are tender and responsive and experience everlasting life to the full. That’s the best deal or bargain you’ll ever find!
If you have not already, won’t you consider opening you’re your heart today to the very one who created you. The one who wants to give you absolute peace in your heart and direction for your soul. Get to know the Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus that so many only know about. Knowing Jesus and knowing about Him have vastly and often tragically different results. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (See Rev 3:20).
Perhaps you do know Jesus, but your relationship with Him has drifted. Invite Him back! Open the door again…He’s still knocking. Just as a relationship is often rekindled by visiting a long-lost friend or buy getting away on a retreat with your spouse…you can re-ignite your relationship with Jesus. I would also suggest identifying the things in life that tend to get in the way. Make the changes necessary to grow and protect your relationship with Christ. These are practical things we all need to do: set aside time, talk (pray), listen, worship, grow, and watch Him move in miraculous ways in and through our lives. Life with Jesus is exciting and so amazing. Plus… it’s truly a “one-up” that can never be beaten 😊
Blessed by The Best,
Mark
See You in the River 