Our devotional thought comes from John 14:9. Jesus says to Philip, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”
Picture this: You’ve got a neighbor you’ve seen a thousand times. He’s there mowing the lawn, sipping coffee on the porch, waving as you pass by. You know his name, his habits, maybe even his dog’s favorite toy. But one day, he shares a story—a heartache, a hope—and you realize you never really knew him at all. Proximity isn’t understanding.
Philip walked with Jesus for years. He saw water turn to wine, watched the lame dance, heard words that lit the soul on fire. Yet, when he asked to see the Father, Jesus gently pointed out the gap. Philip was close, but closeness isn’t knowing. Knowing about Jesus—His miracles, His sermons—doesn’t mean we grasp His heart.
So, how do we truly know Him? Here are some suggestions:
1. Linger with Him: Spend quiet moments in prayer and His Word, letting His presence sink deep.
2. Hear His Whisper: Listen for His voice in Scripture and the stillness of your soul.
3. Follow His Steps: Obey His call to love, serve, forgive—action reveals His character.
4. Serve His People: Touch the hurting; in their eyes you’ll see His face.
Knowing Jesus isn’t a checklist; it’s a relationship. Don’t settle for facts when you can have relationship.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.