That I Might Know Him: Prioritizing Jesus Above All Else
“That I May Know Him”
In Galatians 1 we find Paul defending his authority as an apostle. To support his claim, he brings out his biography. We take a closer look at this committed man of grace and grit and find a poignant truth: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection,” is the one thing that took place above everything else in his life. When God calls us to salvation there is a call to service at the same time, but this single session teaches us that effective service is the result of intimacy with Jesus Christ. And what compels us is a heart that is grateful.
A Grateful Heart
God, You’ve given everything to me and more.
But, let me just ask for one more thing - a grateful heart.
Look how I come to You, like a poor beggar every day.
And yet, I am Your masterpiece!
You keep on giving over and over again
And say, even if I think I’ve crossed the line,
That You remember nothing of the things You’ve given to me in the past.
You don't keep a list.
And You, dear God in eternity past
Established Your amazing plan with us poor sinners in view
Knowing even then what it would cost
To save us.
We walk into Your glorious throne room
Broken and ashamed
And You delight to give us Your mercy and grace.
Your love just keeps on coming.
To think that even beyond this,
All the redundant clatter that puny sinners bring before You
Doesn’t irritate You, or cause You to change Your mind about us.
No. It is your joy.
Heaven is filled with beautiful sounds, who can make a more beautiful sound than You?
Yet, You don’t just tolerate the groans of Your creation.
Your love covers our noise with grace and mercy
And compassion.
This realization of mine brings me to my knees
In pleading tears.
Dear precious Lord God cause my heart to be thankful
For these reasons alone!
Not just thankful when I’m in the mood or everything is going my way,
Smugly overlooking the full spectrum of your endless, matchless love.
But with every beat of my heart may it be a rhythm of praise to You.
