Whom not What!
2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
The Making of Many Books is only Wearisome
Solomon, the preacher, admonished his son many years ago that of making many books there is no end and that much study is wearisome to the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:12). If that was true then, think of how the making of books has increased in our day. Then add to that all the material available on the internet and it is a wonder that anyone can keep up with the new ideas and translations and philosophies and “discoveries” that affect our relationship with God. Today, people don’t ask me whether I have read a particular passage in the Bible, they ask me if I have read a current book. And if I haven’t, and normally I haven’t, I am made to feel that I am just not spending time “keeping up.”
Knowing the Author is more important than Having Knowledge about the Author
Gaining knowledge about the Bible and gaining understanding about the major themes and doctrines of the Bible is important, but knowing the author of the Bible is far better. Many people know about Him, and many people know what He teaches; but many people have never walked with Him like Enoch and Noah did. Many people have never known the Lord in the same way that they know friends on this earth. Many would say that is impossible to know the Lord intimately because the Lord is not physically here. While that is true, we who are saved are told that we are the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” We know God in the person of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit teaches us the things concerning Him, so we really should know the Lord in a practical and intimate way. We should be able to say like Paul, “I know whom I have believed (or trusted).”
I am reminded of the following story, a story I cannot prove it to be true even though I have heard variations of this story for many years. You can read the story here: http://www.inspiring-quotes-and-stories.com/psalm-23.html
There was once a Shakespearean actor who would read Psalm 23 at the end of his performance. He was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics.
Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation –"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"…
The crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the Psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor’s incredible ability to bring the verse to life.
But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of the Psalm, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?" The actor was quite taken back by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm 23. He knew that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.
With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man’s recitation that every eye was full of tears. Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don’t understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training – but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?"
The young man quietly replied, "Well sir, you know the Psalm…I know…the Shepherd." Unknown
Conclusion
Paul had found his savior to be trustworthy and he had confidence that as he faced the executioner on THAT DAY, the Lord would never forsake him. He would keep the promises that He had made to Paul. Paul had committed His soul to the One he knew to be faithful. He knew that by experience and not just because he had great knowledge and great revelations. He knew the author of His salvation. He knew the Savior that he had met on the Damascus Road. He knew the Lord Jesus. Do we really know Him?
It is so much better to know the WHO than the WHAT!
Bruce Collins
Meditation for the week of January 11, 2015