Do You Know Jesus?
I know a lot about George Bush. I know he was born while his Dad was a student at Yale, he himself is a graduate of Yale and Harvard, and he served in the Air National Guard. I know he lost a race for Congress, but won the hand of his wife, Laura. I know he has twin daughters. I know he was managing partner for the Texas Rangers and Governor of Texas. I know he was elected President of the United States in 2000 in one of the closest races in history and re-elected in 2004.
But I don’t know George Bush. I’ve never had a conversation with him. I have no idea how he acts when the cameras are off. I don’t know what he’s like away from the White House and the pressures of the presidency.
I wonder how many people think they know Jesus? They know He was born in Bethlehem, that angels, shepherds, and wise men were all witnesses to His extra-ordinary entrance into the world. People know He did miracles, He taught the Golden Rule, and was the center of controversy. Most people know He died on a cross. They know that His followers believe He rose from the dead.
But do they really know Jesus? Do they know His character? Do they know the hurt He endured? Do they know His grace poured over their soul? Do they know His forgiveness for their sins? Do they know His love that reaches to our deepest hurts and hopes?
The message series Would You? is about knowing Jesus – not just the facts of his life, but reality of His presence. I hope you will be here and bring a friend.
Arthur Burns, a Jewish economist of great influence in Washington during the tenure of several Presidents, was once asked to pray at a gathering of evangelical politicians. Stunning his hosts, he prayed:
“Lord, I pray that Jews would come to know Jesus Christ. And I pray that Buddhists would come to know Jesus Christ. And I pray that Muslims would come to know Jesus Christ.”
And then, most stunning of all: “And Lord, I pray that Christians would come to know Jesus Christ.”*
Maybe we should pray this prayer too.
*Christianity Today, February 2008, p. 33.
