Prophetic Word 2024 - Day 15: Look at Him!

“Pilate went out again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him." So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!"”

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Let us begin our word for today by considering a couple of familiar scenarios.

Have you ever been in a relationship with a person for a long time, yet came to realize that you do not really know who they are? Now, there are many complex reasons this phenomenon happens. But, for our purposes today, let it suffice to say that whether a person has a secret life into which we never entered, or they changed from who they were in the process of life and we did not follow that process, or we saw them through a “lens” we developed early on, never allowing consideration of any evidence to the contrary, that person we think we know may indeed be a “stranger” to us.

Another scenario for our consideration is the phenomenon of thinking you “know” someone, although you have only observed them from a distance, without any true personal interaction.

One situation in which we often see the phenomenon of thinking we “know” someone, without really having had a personal and reciprocal relationship with them, involves the perception of “stars” in our society.

Whether an actor or actress, a well-known sports figure, or anyone else enjoying celebrity status, we may think we know them because we “follow” them and know a lot ABOUT them.

As a matter of fact, in the case of Hollywood figures, we may even conflate roles people have played with who they are in “real” life. The true nature of the celebrity may be VERY different from the parts they have played. Indeed, we may see them in situations in real life (e.g., an interview, an unguarded moment, etc.), and be SHOCKED by seeing who they really are.

Now, how do these scenarios fit in with seeing or knowing the true Christ?

In order to truly know the Lord, we must not allow our false assumptions, what others have reported about Him, coming from a “religious” background, and/or neglect concerning our seeking of Him, make us think we know Him when we do not.

The Lord probably shocked His listeners when He spoke these words:

“”Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The people Jesus is referencing here had no clue that disobedience to God’s law indicates the absence of a true, reciprocal, relationship with Him. And—if they had really known Him—they would have been walking in Godly fear.

Tragically, for many, it matters not how much anyone thinks they know the Lord, if He doesn’t know them, it’s a wrap.

In our opening scripture we see that Pilate presents Jesus to the Jews, telling them to look at Him. His purpose for doing so was in order for them to determine what should be done to Him. Pilate—having had a very poignant interaction with Jesus—knew that He was not worthy of death. And, he wanted Jesus’ accusers, those demanding He be crucified, to have to take a good look at the One they would condemn to death.

Now, whether we know it or not, our Lord is being presented to us through God’s word in order that we can determine what we will do with Him. Additionally, for the Spirit-filled believer, the Holy Spirit speaks the Lord’s heart to us. Our response to the invitation to truly look at our Savior, and what we do with what we have seen, will speak as to whether we know Him or not. And that, my friend, will not only determine our level of victory in this life, but also where we will spend eternity.

There are three “lenses” we will employ in our consideration of the Lord in order to truly see and know Him. We will begin our consideration of Him through these “lenses” tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim