There is a big difference between knowing someone on an intellectual and factual level and knowing someone on an intimate and deeper level. I know a lot about the NBA basketball star LeBron James. I know where he went to high school, his career stats and records, the teams he played for, and the number of championships he has won (four by the way). However, do I truly know LeBron James? Sadly, I do not. On the contrary, I have a deep relationship with my personal friends, wife, and family. I truly know them. I have a relationship with them. I can talk to them about anything and know that they have my back in the good times and bad. Can you see the difference between the two types of knowing someone?

I want to connect this to our relationship with Jesus. Is the only knowledge you have about Jesus the factual information that comes from the Bible? We may be able to tell the story of Jesus, about his life on Earth, and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. However, do we know Jesus on a deep and intimate level? Are we able to pray and talk to Him like he is one of our best friends? Do we talk to Him about our deepest thoughts and feelings? Jesus knows everything about us. Jesus knows more about us than we know about ourselves. Psalm 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” It’s on us to make this a two-way relationship. He wants us to know Him. He wants us to come to Him with every praise and concern, every request and fear, and every lament and thanksgiving.

My mission for you (and myself) is to strive to know Jesus on a personal level, not just a factual level. Talk with Him and listen to what He has to say back. Continue to grow deeper and deeper in your relationship with Jesus. How do we do this? In my opinion, there are two main ways to grow closer to Christ. We must pray more, and spend more time in scripture. We can learn so much about Jesus by doing these things. He is waiting to reveal Himself to you!

Bible verse URL: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A13&version=NIV