Twice in the Bible, Jesus said “I do not know you,” to people claiming to be His. The first instance is where Jesus rejected the work and ministry of those who were “casting out demons and doing many wonderful works” in His name. They were frauds. They did not possess Jesus’ power and cared nothing for His will. Jesus said, “Depart from Me, all you workers of lawlessness. I never knew you.” Then Jesus spoke of how important it is for people to know His Word, obey it, and build their lives on it (Matthew 7:21-27).
The second instance was in the parable of the five wise and five foolish bridesmaids. The foolish were unprepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. They ran to buy oil, returned, and pounded on the Bridegroom’s door that He might open to them, but He responded, “I do not know you.” They sat for years among the people of God but never knew Him personally. They had never examined their lives to see if they were “in the faith.”
Both the fraudulent workers, and the negligent bridesmaids, had never knelt at the Cross of Christ. They had not come to the Father through the Son, acknowledging their sins, and confessing their deep need for the righteousness of God offered only through Jesus. This is the basis of life and fellowship with God.
First John is a Book that gives the criteria for fellowship with God, so that these terrifying words need never come to our ears. The checklist is there for all people. What a joy to read… “These things are written to you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you might KNOW that you have eternal life…” (1 John 5:13).
The return of Christ is near. How wonderful to be ready!
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
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