Read: John 2:24-25; Psalm 139
John 2:24 and 25 offer an interesting insight into the mind of Jesus. John says that though many people followed Him, Jesus "would not entrust himself to them," because He knew people and what was "in them." Psalm 139 details the extent to which God knows us, understanding our thoughts better than we understand them ourselves. He knows our words before they are formed on our tongues. The Psalmist exclaims that "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (Psalm 139:6). We might all agree and perhaps admit we wouldn't even WANT the burden such knowledge would bring.
Can you imagine knowing the thoughts of every person you encounter? While it might be interesting for a moment, it would soon reveal more about the human heart than we could handle. Just consider all of the thoughts you entertain about the people you encounter on a daily basis. What would that lady you work with do if she knew what you were thinking while she went on and on about her sick cat? What would the man working the cash register do if he knew what you were thinking about him as he was scanning your groceries? How would your spouse react if he or she could know your every thought? I venture to say our world would be a much more hostile place.
John has already established Jesus as the Creator. He now reminds us that this same Creator knows the hearts of those whom He creates. Jesus never had to be "told" about anyone. He already knew (and knows) each and every person. He understands our frailties and weaknesses. He knows how fickle we can be. He knows the thoughts you've had about the lady with the cat, the man running the register, and each of your family members. What is more, He even knows what you think about Him. How you have deep doubts and questions. How occasionally you make bargains and test His love. How you evaluate His faithfulness based on the balance in your checkbook or the score on a test. Yes, He KNOWS you. What's more amazing still is that with all of that knowledge He loves you.
As you pray today, confess your impure thoughts, unspoken doubts and hidden fears to Jesus. After all, He already knows them. The only one you are deceiving is yourself.
John 2:24 and 25 offer an interesting insight into the mind of Jesus. John says that though many people followed Him, Jesus "would not entrust himself to them," because He knew people and what was "in them." Psalm 139 details the extent to which God knows us, understanding our thoughts better than we understand them ourselves. He knows our words before they are formed on our tongues. The Psalmist exclaims that "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (Psalm 139:6). We might all agree and perhaps admit we wouldn't even WANT the burden such knowledge would bring.
Can you imagine knowing the thoughts of every person you encounter? While it might be interesting for a moment, it would soon reveal more about the human heart than we could handle. Just consider all of the thoughts you entertain about the people you encounter on a daily basis. What would that lady you work with do if she knew what you were thinking while she went on and on about her sick cat? What would the man working the cash register do if he knew what you were thinking about him as he was scanning your groceries? How would your spouse react if he or she could know your every thought? I venture to say our world would be a much more hostile place.
John has already established Jesus as the Creator. He now reminds us that this same Creator knows the hearts of those whom He creates. Jesus never had to be "told" about anyone. He already knew (and knows) each and every person. He understands our frailties and weaknesses. He knows how fickle we can be. He knows the thoughts you've had about the lady with the cat, the man running the register, and each of your family members. What is more, He even knows what you think about Him. How you have deep doubts and questions. How occasionally you make bargains and test His love. How you evaluate His faithfulness based on the balance in your checkbook or the score on a test. Yes, He KNOWS you. What's more amazing still is that with all of that knowledge He loves you.
As you pray today, confess your impure thoughts, unspoken doubts and hidden fears to Jesus. After all, He already knows them. The only one you are deceiving is yourself.
All-knowing God,
Your knowledge of me is too wonderful for me to comprehend. You know me better than I know myself. Thank You for loving me anyway. "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
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