Pastor Jean

Hosea 6:3 “Lat us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord” (NKJV). Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (NKJV). The word for “know” in both the Old and New testaments can definitely mean acquiring knowledge and information about a person but it also implies acquiring knowledge by personal experience. It is the same word that is used in Genesis 4:1 where it says that Adam “knew” Eve and, “she conceived.” This is obviously referring to intimacy and so in order to know God a very close relationship is needed. Hosea 6:6 above shows us that this close relationship is more important to God than religious rituals. In Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17:3, He prayed that they would know God. The apostle Paul said that everything in his life was rubbish compared to knowing Jesus (Phil 3:8) and his goal was to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Phil 3:10). The Amplified Bible translates that verse like this, “That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly.” This translation makes it clear that getting to know God is a continual ongoing process. May that be our goal today as we seek to know Him more and more, through His word, prayer, worship and fellowship.