Knowing Us

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer about Being Known by Jesus

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15

Most holy and loving Lord Jesus, every verse in the Bible deserves our riveted attention and great respect, but some portions of Scripture come at us like a zip-file of glory—packed full of immeasurable riches and overflowing with astonishing implications. That’s how these two verses appear to my hungry heart today. By your Spirit, open my heart to your Word and your Word to my heart…

What a privilege it is to know you as Good Shepherd. No one is more attentive to our needs, committed to our care, or and engaged in our protection than you. We have an enemy on the prowl, the devil, who is always looking to rob, kill, devour and destroy us. But you came to give us life—the fullness of life as it can only be found in you. At the price of your life, you have defeated our enemy and purchased us for God. We are your sheep only because you are God’s Lamb. How we praise and adore you for the ultimate sacrifice you have made for us. Even throughout eternity, we will know you as the Lamb who is our Shepherd—forever guiding us to springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).

But what astonishes, staggers and undoes my soul this morning is hearing you say that you know us, just as the Father knows you. With the same love, “knowing”, intimacy and delight the Father has in you; so you “know” us. You don’t just know our names, you know us. We don’t just hear your voice, we have your heart. You don’t just know about us, you know us. That’s not a mere fact—a bit of theological dogma; it’s measureless grace and unfathomable glory.

How can this be? How is this possible? We know you only because you know us. This is the heartbeat of the gospel—the true wonder of the gospel. The one who knows us the best loves us the most…

We no longer have to hide among the trees (like the first Adam)… or among people, or busyness, or ministry, or hobbies. We don’t have to pretend about anything, because we will never inform you of anything. We’re known. We’ve been exposed, found out, called out. And not only did we survive, we now thrive in being known by you. O Lord, this is almost too wonderful to take it. Hallelujah, the gospel is true. Hallelujah, the gospel is true! So very Amen I pray and shout, for the praise of your name.