William Shakespeare said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.”  In every area of life comes expectations.  We often find heartache and disappointment in life because we have misguided expectations.  
For example, people running for political office may set expectations low so that when they achieve something, they are seen as having overcome expectations.  
In marriage, people may have unrealistically high expectations.  When the other person fails to live up to that expectation, we can become unhappy, bitter, or decide to go our separate ways. 
If you are a fan of a sports team, whether or not your team performs at the level we expect them to, (sometimes even before a single game is played), determines whether or not that team disappointed us or exceeded our expectations.  We tend to base our expectations for our team before the season starts based on how they did last year, who left or joined the team, and how the competition looks.  We can even base our expectation on what a group of people think.  
I recently sat and watched my team, along with all the others, compete in the NCAA basketball tournament.  And when I say I watched, I mean I spent 70 hours watching parts or all of 67 games. (It’s a little tradition I have).  After my team lost, too early for my liking, I turned on the radio to hear people call in and complain about that game and about how they were disappointed in how they didn’t advance far enough.  They called in to voice their frustration with how this team didn’t live up to their expectations.  Nevermind the fact that over the last 3 seasons, this team had won by far the most Big 10 games, won a Big 10 tournament championship, and a Big 10 regular season championship.  It didn’t matter what had been accomplished, they didn’t live up to the expectation of most fans. 

As I turned off the post game show, (I can’t listen to that for very long), I realized that we often do the same thing when it comes to God.  We can form opinions on God based upon things we’ve heard, or what other people think or say about HIm.  Maybe we adopt a view of God based upon our own life experiences. 
Expectations about God are formed based upon everything and anything, often apart from what God has actually said and revealed through His Son and HIs Word.  

When Christ came, the people who witnessed the things He said and did either could not or would not believe because they based their expectation of the Messiah on other things.    God told us when Messiah would come  (Daniel 9:24-27), that He would be born to a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), that He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), that a messenger would precede Him (Malachi 3:1),  He told us the  things He would say and do (Isaiah 35:4-6), that He would ride on a donkey into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9),  that He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), that Messiah would be forsaken and pierced, but vindicated (Psalm 22), and that He would be resurrected (Psalm 16:8-11).  

To the people living then, a crucified Messiah didn’t make sense to them, even though that’s what God told them.  People do the same thing today.  They look for a God who is loving - minus the holiness.  A God who is forgiving but who wouldn’t condemn.  When things are going well in life, God is barely acknowledged, but when hard times come they God is blamed.  God never promised a life without tribulations (John 16:33), only that He would be there with us in those trials.  Yet, when hard times come people can become bitter at God.  
If you were to ask people, most would say that they expect to go to Heaven when they die.  However,  the reason for why they believe that would vary between a variety of answers, from their own goodness, to having been baptized, or taking part in communion or even attending church.  However, God tells us that there is one way to the Father, and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ. 
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  God tells us it’s through the Person and work of Christ that anyone can get to Heaven.  And, what Christians around the world are about to celebrate this Easter makes that relationship with God a possibility- His resurrection from the dead. For if Christ had not risen from the dead, then our faith would be useless, and most pitiful of people.  (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).  

This Easter we hope you will take time to reflect on whether or not you have the proper expectation of who Jesus is, what He did, and how we can have a relationship with Him.  Because of the resurrection, one day we can expect to be present with the Lord, when absent from the body. (2 Corinthians 5:8).  What a reason to worship the One who is worthy!

     Grandparents day is celebrated in various countries around the world.  Here in America, it falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September.  It often comes and goes without much fanfare.  (I’ve heard more this year about national coffee day, also in September).  It definitely isn’t the same as Mothers day or Fathers day.  
     It was first formally suggested in 1969, when a 9 year old boy named Russell Capper sent a letter to President Nixon advocating for a day dedicated to celebrating grandparents.  The boy received a letter back from the President's secretary, thanking him for his suggestion.  However, the letter stated, “proclamations for special observances are only when a congressional resolution authorizes him to do so.” 
     A year later, in 1970 a woman named Marian McQuade campaigned for a day to be set aside to honor grandparents as well.  It wasn’t until 8 years later that President Jimmy Carter proclaimed a national grandparents day (after Congress passed legislation) - and the first one was then celebrated in 1979.  Grandparents day even has an official flower, the forget-me-not. That’s actually very fitting for what I want to write about today.
     I was blessed to have known 3 out of my 4 grandparents.  They each demonstrated and taught me things, and I got to spend time with all of them.  I did not know my grandfather on the Barnhart side, as he died when my father was around 10 years old.  That left my Grandma Barnhart to raise 5 kids on her own.  I believe she had about a 6th grade education, and when she died, had about 50 cents to her name.  It was this lady, who had little education, who lived through things like the Great Depression and World War 2, who had a husband who died with kids still at home - who was the biggest spiritual influence in my life.  Not that my parents didn’t influence me - but I believe every child needs someone outside of a mom or dad who will pour into them.  The person who did that for me was my grandmother.  
     I spent MANY hours with her as a kid during the summer, as she lived next to us out in the country.  She had two HUGE gardens, where she grew anything and everything.  She always had some sort of flowers blooming.  In her yard, she had apple, cherry, pear, and plum trees, among other things.  She baked, canned, and froze her food, all to help save her money on groceries.  We worked outside together most of the day, until it was too hot in the middle of the afternoon.  During that time, we would then eat lunch and play games inside together.  
Deuteronomy 6:7 says - “You shall teach them diligently (meaning spiritual truths) to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.”  
     That’s what my grandmother did.  What a privilege it was to have someone in my life who lived out that verse.  Not only did she plant seeds in her garden year after year, she planted spiritual truths in the heart of her grandson day after day.   I still marvel at how she did that - as it’s easier said than done.  She took the Truth of God’s Word and talked about it in a way a kid could understand.  She talked about, and lived out, why it was important to work hard, to be content, thankful, giving, and to be honest in what I said and did.  She insisted that I always tell the truth, even if I feared doing it.  
     She’s been gone 18 years now, and there are times when I don’t know what to think or do, that I wonder to myself - what would she tell me?  If I stop to think about it, I can predict what she would say because what she was doing was pointing me towards the Scriptures and towards the God revealed in the Bible.  
     She left this Earth not knowing the DRASTIC impact she had on my life.  I suppose that’s true in many instances.  We may not understand the influence we do have until we receive our reward in Heaven.  I think she left a huge imprint upon me in that when teaching children, I realize I basically just mimic what she did with me.  That’s why I look forward to Junior camp each year - it’s an opportunity to play together, eat together, and learn about God together.
     I often have to remind myself that children can be like growing a garden.  It’s hard work.  I have to be patient.   I’m instructed to sow the seed, and to water the plant, but it’s God that makes it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).  
     Another Grandparents day has come and gone, but I for one will not forget, and will be eternally grateful, for the time she invested into me.  Not only did she look after me physically, but more so spiritually.  For that, I will “forget-her-not.”

If you had/have a grandparent who has influenced you, feel free to leave a brief comment to let us know!

(Matthew 18:23-34)

     As a kid growing up who wasn’t Irish, I confess I didn’t know much about this holiday in March called Saint Patrick’s Day. I knew you were supposed to wear green, and if you forgot, expect to be pinched at school. There were decorations of leprechauns next to pots of gold, rainbows, and four leafed clovers.
     
     As an adult, until recently, my limited understanding was that it was a day to honor Irish-Americans who came to America looking for a better life and to celebrate their contributions to American culture. Here on the campus of the University of Illinois, St. Patrick’s Day is unofficially celebrated by college students and some adults drinking alcohol until they physically can’t anymore.
     
     None of these things even come close to how this man Patrick should be celebrated - what a shame this is.
     
     The real Saint Patrick had an incredible life story filled with difficulty, hard choices, self-sacrifice and forgiveness. He is believed to have been born in the late 4th century around 386 A.D. He was the son of a church deacon, but had no interest in God as a child. At age 16, he was taken captive by a group of Irish raiders and carried away from his home and family in Britain, and taken inland to Ireland. In Ireland, he was alone, and given the job of watching over sheep. It was during this time alone that Patrick would later write about in his book - Patrick’s Confession, that - “There the Lord revealed to me the nature of my unbelief, so that I should recall my transgressions and turn my heart to God.” He spent the next 6 years as a slave, tending sheep. Then one night in a dream he felt the Holy Spirit speaking to him about escaping back to his home. In what can be described as nothing less than a daring escape, he travelled an estimated 200 miles over several days to plead his case for passage on a boat that was leaving Ireland. He finally made it home to the joy and surprise of his parents. Back home, he felt the call of God upon his life to serve God full time. He went to a school to learn the Scriptures and served God in Britain, all the while praying for his captors and the people of Ireland to come to know God’s love and mercy as he had. Time went by, and he felt a specific call by God to return to Ireland, this time as a missionary to the land of his former captivity.
     
     The story of Patrick’s life is a lesson in forgiveness. In Matthew 18:23-34, Jesus told a story of an unforgiving servant. This passage is the story of a man who owed the king a debt he could never repay. The man pleaded with the king for patience, and the King, who was moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt that he owed. Jesus says that this man went out and found his neighbor who owed him a small debt. His neighbor pleaded with the man, but the man would not forgive his neighbor. The King found out what the man did to his neighbor and called him in for questioning - “Should you not have had compassion on your neighbor, as I had compassion on you?”
     
     Forgiveness can be described as - “Releasing, by choice, a debt or an obligation owed to you by another.” Patrick’s life story is an example to us of this spiritual truth lived out in a person’s life. Having received God’s mercy and forgiveness in his own life, he then went and found his neighbor (his captors) and was willing to forgive them. He spent the rest of his life serving the Lord as a missionary to the very people who had once taken him by force from his home. His grave site in Ireland serves as a testimony to the forgiveness of God lived out in the life of His servant.
     
     I’ve never really celebrated or thought much about Saint Patrick’s Day before, after all I’m not Irish. But, having learned of his life story, I will be this year - just not in the traditional ways most people do. I will celebrate a life well lived, and try to do what God has commanded you and me to do in Luke 10:37 - “To, go and do thou likewise."

     When considering what to write for this post, I originally had one thing in mind.  However, it felt forced and something about it didn’t feel right.  Then the events of January 6th happened.  I was at work, but I listened on the radio describing the scene as people forcefully entered our nation's Capitol building.  I knew then what I needed to write about.  I spent the next couple of weeks thinking about what happened.  I thought about things I had seen and heard leading up to this - how people were un-friending people - in real life and on social media.  We have “snoozed” people we don’t agree with or even unfollowed people.  Previous relationships have become strained based on mostly political beliefs.  Some people have even gone as far as not buying a pillow or buying coffee from someone we may disagree with politically.  

     The division we see in our country currently is definitely high.  I’m writing to remind myself and the church that we cannot allow these same divisions to come into the church.  The local church (and universal church) is made up of individuals of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and even different nations.  We have people who grow up in single parent homes, blended family homes, and a traditional 2 parent home.  We are made up of people with varying shades of skin color and accents.  There are people who have graduated college, some who did not finish, and others who never went.  People who are successful financially and people who struggle making ends meet.  Even people who vote Republican, while others vote Democrat.  
John, the apostle, is instructed in the book of Revelation to write what he sees.  In chapter 7, he writes, “I looked, and saw a great multitude, which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…(saying) Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.”

     Now, since we know that Heaven will be like that, we (the church) are to demonstrate what eternity will be like to the culture by living out that truth in the here and now!  People outside the church ought to be able to look at the people inside the church and ask the obvious question - “What’s going on in there and why can’t we have that (unity) out here?”
I think this time in America’s history is an opportunity for the church - and me as an individual member of the body - to demonstrate what unity can look like.  Unity is not everyone being or thinking the same, but rather having a oneness in purpose.  There is so much division outside the church that unity inside the church should be a bright light drawing people to the God of the church.  

     A missionary came to our church a few years ago.  This missionary travels all over the world to many different countries, many of whom are suspicious about who they are, what they are doing, and why they are there.  He said many governments are afraid that they are there to undermine the government somehow.  He said something that has stuck with me to this day - especially in light of what's been going on in our country for a while.  He said (in regards to governments being suspicious of them), “Our battle isn’t to subvert or overthrow the government where we go, our battle is for the hearts and souls of men.”  After what happened here on January 6th, this truth is applicable to me and to us here in America. My primary focus as a follower of Christ is not who’s in the White House - that’s temporary.  Our battle as a church is against the Devil; and for the hearts and souls of men - that’s eternal!  

     If we lose the eternal focus over what we as a church are battling for, and instead focus too much attention on the temporary (like politics), then we are not fulfilling our mission - and what the church was set apart and called to do.  

     My family member, my co-worker, my neighbor will spend eternity somewhere.  Is it really worth withdrawing from, not talking to, or un-friending someone over something temporary at the expense of what will be eternal?  It isn’t!  We can’t allow anything to divide us because our oneness comes not from how we look or how we think - but in the One whom our salvation rests!  

Behold, How good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell in unity. (Psalm 133:1).

Perspective - A life skill not nearly applied as often as it should be. It can be defined as “A particular attitude towards or way of regarding something - a point of view” or “A true understanding of the relative importance of things”.  

2020 has been a year that most of us would like to hurry up and forget. Many are ready to flip the calendar to better things ahead in 2021 - assuming that 2021 cannot possibly be worse!

One thing this year has allotted us (if we take advantage of it) is to refocus our time and energy on what’s really important in life. Perhaps less time on our job and more on our family, or a little less focus on our status in life and more focus on our health. Maybe this year has taught us to appreciate even more the person working at the grocery store, or our caretakers, and definitely our childrens’ teachers. Maybe going to church had become a little routine and now we value it a little more.

A believer has to apply perspective to any and all circumstances in life. Job was such a man who experienced a season of time in his life that tested his faith and his ability to apply perspective. Job lost property, family members (children), wealth, and his health. In the midst of all of this, Job asks a profound question. In response to his wife, Job asked out loud, “Shall we accept good from God, and not adversity?” (Job 2:10) In the midst of Job’s despair and suffering the Bible records Job “as having not sinned, by charging God with wrong.”

As hard and painful as it was during this time, Job acknowledged “that the Lord has given and has taken away: Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Instead of cursing the name of God, he blessed the name of God.

Having just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in the midst of the year 2020, do I have the perspective that Job had in the midst of his trials? As a believer I am commanded to - “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I am to give thanks no matter the season of life I am in, what my circumstances are, or whether or not I feel like it. With the proper perspective, the believer can do so. Remembering that whatever we may be going through “is but for a moment” (trusting that God does see and understand and will reward perseverance). 

In 1897 a song by Johnson Oatman Jr. was written entitled “Count Your Blessings”. One of the great hymns ever written goes like this:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done.

It is easy to lose perspective when going through hard times. If we were to pause and list the things we are thankful for instead of dwelling on all the things that have happened this year, we would be surprised what God has done! 

As we begin to celebrate the Christmas season, we can remember the most important thing we have to be thankful for - “But when the fullness of time has come, God sent for His Son, born of a woman, born under Law, to redeem [to purchase a slave’s freedom] those under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:7)

If I view my life with the perspective that I am the adopted son of the King of Kings, then I can be thankful in all things...even a year like 2020.

by Andrew Barnhart

2 Peter 1:10-11
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and ELECTION sure, for if you do those things you will never stumble.   For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  

Every four years in this great country of ours, we are given the opportunity to vote in an election to determine the president of the United States.  With this election taking place in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, there has been a push for people to mail in their vote, instead of perhaps standing in a long, crowded line.  Regardless of your opinion on this, there are people who are concerned that if they mail in their ballot it won’t be properly counted.  Perhaps they are concerned it will “get lost in the mail.”  Or, maybe they are concerned about it being received by someone they don’t know and then properly counted.  We all just want to make sure our ballot gets counted, however we choose to do it this year.  

I believe every American should vote, but especially a believer.  Before I go to vote, I take time to review my sample ballot.  I look at the names, where they stand on issues, as well as any questions that may be on the ballot that I need to vote on.  Sometimes, I look at the names and think to myself - these are my options?  That question can be enough for some people to not even bother voting.  However, I look at that a different way.  I think of the men and women I know who have fought for my freedom to even allow me to vote.  I think of people in my church who have served.  I think of my neighbor growing up, Glenn Brewer, who fought in World War 2.  I feel like, sometimes in spite of who may be on the ballot, I can take a few minutes to educate myself, and then stand in line if needed, in honor of their sacrifice.  

When it comes to our spiritual life, God instructs me, from time to time, to - “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves…”
Then He explains how to test to see if I am in the faith.  
“...Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?  Unless indeed you are disqualified.”  (or do not pass the test).  
Jesus Christ IN YOU - a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:5) - equals passing the test.

1 John 4:13 gives us another test we can apply to make our election sure.  It says, “By this we KNOW that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit.”  When we put our faith in the person and work of Christ - (instead of my good works, my membership in a church, or my baptism) - we are given His Spirit which, “seals us until the day of redemption.”  
I should take a moment (just like I do before I vote), to consider which of those things mentioned above that I may be putting my trust in.

This November election, take time to review the candidates and questions on your ballot and vote!  But also take some time to consider what you are putting your confidence in when it comes to your standing before God.  Take time to make your election sure! (2 Peter 1:10).  

By Ellen Brady

I was born and raised in the deep south in the 1950's.

Life for me was good back then, until the 1960's , and then things began to change in our country. The "Sexual Revolution" had started, the Vietnam War was going on, racial tensions were beginning to be broadcast on television. I was so distressed and confused.

Now, you have to know that I had never met a black person, or an Asian person, or a Hispanic person. I lived in a totally white world. I never went to school with anyone who wasn't white. Of course, I heard the talk amongst the adults in my life, and I heard all kinds of racial slurs and jokes. It pierced my heart. We would go places, and everywhere, including the beaches, were segregated. Restrooms, water fountains, and restaurants had "White" and "Colored" signs up. I could never understand this.

Then, we began to see the unrest and what they called "riots" on TV, of course, I was afraid. But at the same time, it was confusing. I can remember as a child and as a teenager thinking "This is so wrong!", but fear was instilled in me.

My perception of black people was one of fear - not hatred. Fear of what?? I couldn't really say. Everyone around me had this fear, so I better have it, too.

An incident occurred in my church when I was about 12 or 13 that really scared me. We had riots and violence in my city and this one particular Sunday, the Pastor told us that a mob of black people were coming to our church to start trouble and we were to sit quietly and let the men take care of it. So, we had men - with guns - stationed at all the doors to protect us. From what? Nothing ever happened and we finally went home.

I always had it in my heart that this attitude was from Satan and that God was not pleased with what was taking place. I remember seeing Governor George Wallace standing on the steps of the capital of Alabama making a very racist speech and in my heart, I knew that what he was doing and saying was wrong, but I had no basis or means to change anything.

When I was 19 years old, I left home and went to Missouri for college, and my eyes were opened to what was wrong. I met a black person, an Asian person, a Hispanic person and I could see that they were people just like me.

Over the years we have ministered in five churches and we have, most of those years, had people from all kinds of countries and races and now I know that what I saw and heard as a child was wrong. We are all human beings with the same blood (from Adam) and we are all made in the image of God.

What we are witnessing on TV now brings back all of those memories I had as a child and they aren't good memories. So when I saw this Bible Study that we are about to start, I knew we needed to do this. I talked to Pastor and he agreed. It's titled "The Church and the Racial Divide".

Now, Satan would have us Americans to be divided in every way possible. Families, churches, in our politics. This is so counter to our Savior, Jesus Christ! So, this study will NOT be political in any way. We will see from God's Word how He loves every person, no matter the color of their skin. And we, in the church, must not be divided. We must be united, as in our own church name - Unity Baptist Church.

We want to invite you to be a part of this study:
Ladies - Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. beginning September 22
Men - First Saturday of the month from 8-10 a.m. beginning October 10

by Mike Hastings

Who can define a mother’s love
It’s such a gift from God above
For mothers are a very special breed
Eveready if you might call
There to support you, if you fall
Always there to help fulfill a need
Caring, sharing, burden bearing
Love and forgiveness ever pairing
Waiting there to lend a helping hand
When problems of this world confound you
With their love they will surround you
Wanting you to know they understand
So as we celebrate this day
Our mothers in a special way
Be they here or sadly, be they gone
Let’s give thanks to God above
That we were blessed by a mother’s love
And a mother’s love lives on and on and
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
And remember that a mother’s love lives on.

The current pandemic and its effects have dominated the news cycle.  I was recently listening to the local news on the radio and something they reported on caught my attention.  They mentioned that the state of Illinois would continue to pay school teachers through the end of the year under a pay category called, “an act of God.” (which - in and of itself is interesting, but that’s another topic).  It caused me to consider why we often as a society label things - especially bad things - as “an act of God.”  Insurance policies have clauses in them for “acts of God,”  including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes.  And now add viruses to the list of “acts of God.”  It’s interesting to me that bad things happening in life tend more toward bearing that label.  It fits along with the age old question of, “if there is a God, why do bad things happen?  Why is there suffering? 

As I ponder this question it’s important to view my thinking of it through the lens of Scripture.  I went to the book of Exodus and reviewed the story of Israel held captive in Egypt.  In this story, we do see specific “acts of God” upon Pharaoh and Egypt.  The 10 plagues recorded there ARE instances of where God did specifically act.  Pharaoh REFUSED to obey God (although he was given the option to), and so God acted.  This action DID include catastrophic events.  God acted with judgement after Pharaoh refused to obey His command. 

Sometimes, when bad things happen, it’s because the Devil acted.  In the book of Job, the Devil approaches God about this man.  We read that God wasn’t the one who brought calamity on this man, it was the Devil. (Although God did allow it to happen).  Job 1:16 describes a scene where Job’s servant is telling Job what happened by saying it like this - “The fire of God fell from Heaven…”.  Unbeknownst to the servant, this wasn’t an act of God, but an act of the Devil.   This was mistakenly labeled an act of God when it was more of a specific act of the Devil.  

Sometimes, people act.  God created man with a free will.  Man can (and does) take that free will and choose to do some pretty terrible things.  It’s hard to understand why someone would kill, steal, kidnap,abuse someone - or even fly planes into buildings.  People can get angry at God in those instances, but God isn’t to blame.  After all, He did give the command to “love your neighbor.”  He has given the command to not murder or steal.  If man violates those commands, is God at fault for it? (NO).

However, the most important “act of God” in history has gone unknown by millions of people, blatantly ignored by many, perhaps labeled a myth by others.  God, in His patience, mercy, and kindness - looked upon the condition of man's soul.  He describes how He sees it as:
“Desperately wicked.” (Jer 17:9).
“Spiritually dead in sin.” (Eph 2:1)
“Having turned away from God.” (Is 53:6)

But then, God acted.  This act allowed, “Him (Christ) who knew no sin to become sin for us - so that we might become right with God.” (2 Cor 5:21).  His sacrificial death was part of this act.  His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:32) COMPLETED and SECURED eternal life to anyone who will call upon His name for it. (Rom 10:13).  The one who receives this gift will walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:4).  It describes this new life as, “old things passing away, and all things becoming new.” (2 Cor 5:17).  If this act of God has been received by us, then we are commanded to “go and love your neighbor,” and “to make disciples of all nations.” 

This “act of God” is not something awful that is happening or has happened.  It’s not something to be frightened or afraid of - unless it is rejected (for whatever reason) in your life.  

“Praise be to God for His unspeakable gift.”

Recently, in our Young Adult Sunday School Class, we have been studying the Book of Exodus, and the Israelites’ deliverance from the land of Egypt.
As we’ve gone through this study I kept noticing a phrase that gained increasing significance to me as we moved through the book, whether it was addressing the Egyptians or the Israelites; “…and the Egyptians/Israelites shall know that I am the Lord…”.
Whether it was by His judgments upon the Egyptians through the plagues, His sparing of Israel from the plagues consequences, His deliverance at the Red Sea, or His provision in the wilderness, God’s objective was the same – that people would know that He was the Lord.
When standing before Goliath in the Valley of Elah in I Samuel 17:46, David announced to Goliath and the onlooking Philistines that God was going to deliver him and his army into David’s hand in order “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”
The Lord promised Jeremiah that there was coming a time when it would no longer be necessary for a person to encourage their neighbor to know the Lord, for they will all know Him (Jer. 31:34).
This exact phrase can be found literally dozens of time in the Old Testament! It is repeated nearly 70 times in the Book of Ezekiel alone!!
The heart’s cry of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:10 was “…that I may know Him…”.
In Christ’s High Priestly prayer of John 17:21-23, one of His requests is “that the world may know” that Christ was sent of God, through hearing the testimony of those who have believed on His name (you and me).
I believe the point is made clearly in the Bible that we serve a God Who desires to be known. He has left the invitation to know Him in every fiber of creation (Psalm 19); He has illustrated His desire to be known by us in His incarnation (John 1:9-14); He has made the way possible for us to know Him through His death and resurrection (Romans 4:23-25).
Mankind was created with a need to know the Lord, but sin has separated us from any relationship with Him. Our rebellion against the Holy God and His commandments has darkened our soul, blinded our eyes, and hardened our heart to that need, creating an emptiness and purposelessness in our soul that seeks satisfaction in the lusts and pursuits of our flesh.
The celebration of Easter reminds us, once again, what God has done to bridge the gap that our sin has created. The good news of the gospel is that we can find forgiveness and restoration to fellowship with God as we turn from our sin (repentance) and place faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as the satisfaction God requires for our sin.
God not only desires to be known, He’s made a way to be known! He appeals to each of us to
come to Him by the way He has provided us in Christ. When we do, we can begin the journey to knowing Him more fully, day by day.