(NKJV and KJV Scripture)
– For all shall know Me – from the least to the greatest. – Hebrews 8:11
– And He is the propitiation for our sins – and not for ours only – but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him – if we keep His commandments. He that says, “I know Him” – and does not keep His command-ments, is a liar – and the truth is not in him. – 1 John 2:2-4
“Don’t you know who I am?” How many times have we heard someone say this – or at least implied it by their actions or demeanor? Perhaps it was a person who seemed to be expecting preferential treatment because of their position in life. Maybe it was a politician or professor who behaved as if everyone should put everything aside because of their presence. Even as believers – perhaps we have done the same?
Pontius Pilate pretty much acted this way when Christ was brought before him. He said to Jesus in John 19:10, “Are you not speaking to me? Don’t you know I have the power to crucify you – and the power to release you?”. It was as if Pilate was proclaiming, “Don’t you know who I am? I’m the judge in Judea – not you.” Jesus simply responded, “You could have no power at all against me – except it were given to you from above (John 19:11).”
God is the great “I Am” (Exodus 3:14). We have no power to do or have anything except that which is given to us from above (John 3:27, Acts 17:28). Part of being prideful is desiring favored treatment, perhaps because of our so-called standing in life – often based on things like education, bank accounts – even one’s position in a church. It is a puffed up and demanding desire for other people to “know” who we are. Getting glory for ourselves first – before giving it to God, if we do at all (Jeremiah 13:16, John 7:18, 1 Corinthians 4:6).
Pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, or merit – as thought in mind or displayed publicly. God “knows” the proud from afar (Psalm 138:6). We can say we “know” Him with our lips – but if our hearts are high with pride and haughtiness – we are but hypocrites. Our hearts are still far from heaven (Mark 7:6). Pride comes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
From our times as children, we have known the Holy Scriptures – which are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:15). The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11). We shall not teach every man his neighbor – and every man his brother, saying, “Know the Lord.” For we shall all know Him – from the least to the greatest (lead verse).
Before it’s too late. If we say we love God – but hate our brother – we are liars. For if we can’t love brothers whom we have seen – how can we love God, who we have not seen (1 John 4:20)? If we shut up our bowels of compassion when we see a brother in need, how can we say His love dwells in us (1 John 3:17)? How can we say we know His just ways – if we should ever want some others to just stay out of our way?
The invisible things of Him from this world’s creation are clearly seen by us – being understood by things that are made; even His eternal power and Godhead – so we’re without excuse as to knowing who He is (Romans 1:19-20, 2 Corinthians 4:18). If we say we “know” God as Christians – but fail to give Him glory, remain unthankful, and become vain in our imaginations – our hearts get dark again (Romans 1:21).
Others may still know and see us as wise Christians – but we’re fools who still worship and serve the creature more than the Creator (Job 32:9, Romans 1:22-25). God knows what He can do to us if we get like this. For not retaining Him in our knowledge – despite saying we “know” Him. Despite knowing His judgment – we are still committing things worthy of death (Proverbs 14:12, Acts 17:30, Romans 1:26-32).
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