01/07/2024 – “Intimate with Jesus” / An added comment connecting to : “The Rich Young Ruler” – Mark 10: 17-22″
“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?’ ” (John 14:9).”
“These words were not spoken as a rebuke, nor even with surprise; Jesus was encouraging Philip to draw closer. Yet the last person we get intimate with is Jesus. Before Pentecost the disciples knew Jesus as the One who gave them power to conquer demons and to bring about a revival (see Luke 10: 18-20). It was a wonderful intimacy, but there was a much closer intimacy to come: ‘… I have called you friends…” (John 15:15). True friendship is rare on earth. It means identifying with someone in thought, heart , and spirit. The whole experience of life is designed to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we really know Him?
Jesus said, ‘It is to your advantage that I go away…’ (John 16:7). He left that relationship to lead them even closer. It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to walk more intimately with Him. The bearing of fruit is always shown in Scripture to be the visible result of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ (see John 15: 1-4).
Once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely and we never lack for understanding or compassion. We can continually pour out our hearts to Him without being perceived as overly emotional or pitiful. The Christian who is truly intimate with Jesus will never draw attention to himself but will only show the evidence of a life where Jesus is completely in control. This is the outcome of allowing Jesus to satisfy every area of life to its depth. The picture resulting from such a life is that of the strong, calm balance that our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
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Take a look at the “Rich Young Ruler” – Mark 10: 17-22:
It is explicitly stated: “Jesus loved him and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: Go sell all you have have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.’ First , there aren’t many biblical instances where it is noted: “Jesus loved him/her.” Jesus knew what he was asking for he too had to give up everything to be born into this world. He was indeed the richest of all young rulers. Unlike other religions, Jesus would not say afterwards: “this is prescribed only for the most loyal of my followers”. So, it is in fact an “all in” or “none” proposition. Riches are not evil in themselves, but it was a stronghold that had this young ruler by the neck. Jesus was showing him the only redemptive path. He did not call the rich young ruler back when he walked away “grieving”, his free will choice. If that isn’t tragic, I don’t know what is!