It's Who You Know

July 17, 2025

From Pastor Eileen States

The story is told of a great actor offering to do recitations for his audience. The crowd called for one recitation after another and the actor complied. When a request was made for the 23rd Psalm, the actor recited it with wonderful expression. Just as he was finishing the passage and the audience was applauding wildly, the actor noticed an elderly man in the audience and recognized him as the godly pastor from his childhood. On impulse he invited the old man to come forward to recite the same Psalm. The old gentleman did so, and when he had finished, nearly all in the theater were silent - many, including the great actor, were weeping. Regaining his composer the actor commented., “I know the 23rd Psalm, but my old pastor knows the Shepherd.”

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”  John 17:3 NIV

In John 17, we hear Jesus praying for His disciples. He defines eternal life, not as something far off that starts someday in the future, but as something that begins the moment we come to know Him. Eternal life is not just about endless days; it’s about a relationship.

It’s who you know ~ Jesus ~ that brings you life.

Many people know about God. They might be familiar with Bible stories, religious traditions, or moral teachings. But Jesus makes it clear that salvation isn’t about knowledge of facts; it’s about a living, growing relationship with Him and the Father.

To know God means to spend time with Him daily, to talk with Him in prayer, to listen to Him through His Word, to trust Him in our struggles, and to celebrate Him in our joys. It’s not a one-time introduction but a lifelong friendship.

A young boy once walked past a long line of waiting dignitaries and past the guards stationed to protect Abraham Lincoln. Without even knocking, he opened the door and walked into the President’s office. Those in line angrily protested to the guards that they had been waiting their proper turn and the boy was out of line. “No, he’s not,” came the reply, “His last name is Lincoln and he has gone in to see his father.” Todd Lincoln had a special relationship with the right person and that made all the difference!

We too have been given access right into our Father's presence. It brings Him so much joy when we confidently walk into His throne room and/or choose to just sit in His presence, to get to know Him and to fall deeper in love with Him.  Allow Him to speak life into your heart today as you spend time getting to know Him for who He is to you.