Trinity Episcopal Church

March 27, 2010

St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, says there is nothing that can surpass knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord. “That is my object in my life” he writes, “to know Jesus.” I had to pause when I read this passage. Do I feel that same passion? Is my knowing Jesus the most important aspect of my life?

The Greek verb Paul chooses to use is interesting. “To know” is the verb ginoskein, which conveys a very personal knowledge. It doesn’t mean intellectual information or facts or theology. It is a personal experience, a most deep and intimate partnership. The Greek verb Paul uses is the same verb that the Old Testament uses (King James Version) when it says that Adam knew Eve his wife…and then they had a bunch of kids. So Paul used a verb which measures the most intimate of relationships when he spoke about God.

I tell God everything, even things I don‘t tell my wife (sorry Honey). “From Him we have no secrets” the old prayer goes. God is with me always: above, below, beside and within---like oxygen, and without God we suffocate. He tells us every pain and problem we’ve ever suffered was not in vain; He tells us no matter what challenges you face this day you will face it together; and He tells us that in life and death and beyond death God is with us. To know Jesus is to share such intimacy that in the end we are as united with him as we are with anyone on earth.

Can you say that to know God is the greatest value and goal of your life? My prayer for you in these final days of Lent is that you can.