“I Never Knew You…”

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.’”

My eyes filled with tears as I read, “I never knew you.”

Jesus, how often do I neglect my time with You, yet You never leave? 

You are always present, waiting for me.

How often do I get frustrated with You, Jesus, yet You only ever show me patience?

How often do I doubt You, yet You never lose faith in me?

How often do I limit You, Jesus, who is infinite goodness, yet You set no limits for me?

You know everything there is to know about me, yet still You want me.

You want me so much it pains You, yet still You do not force Yourself upon my life—the life You gave me.

You give me the freedom to choose You, yet You never gave a second thought in choosing me.

I hear the Gospel wrapped up in these four words, “I never knew You.”

You came to have my relationship. You wanted my heart so badly that You left Heaven’s throne for me, even before I was in existence. 

You chose to take on flesh and walk among sinners. 

You saw the wretchedness and blasphemy of sin, even took every offense upon Yourself. You willingly died a bloody, grotesquely unjust and horrific death for me, yet You still want me. 

Jesus, how is it that You still give Yourself just to have me?

You are perfection that takes my flaws

Peace that takes my disruptions

Joy that takes my sorrow

Hope that takes my desperation

Strength that takes my weakness

Beauty that takes my messiness

Confidence that takes my fear

Courage that takes my cowardice

Tenderness that takes my hardened heart

If love is a choice, what You did for me on the cross is the greatest, highest act of love. 

Yet, even after all that You’ve done, I still wander, but still You’re desire for me doesn’t waver. 

What unshakeable, dauntless love You have for Your children.

You are not afraid of my sin. 

Nothing I could do would ever make You want me less. 

I am never unseen.

I am never unknown.

I want to know You more, Jesus.

I let You in. 

I don’t want to meet You at the gates of Heaven and hear the words, “I never knew you.”

Like a consuming fire, You come for me, ravaging every attempt of the devil.

Not one sin escapes Your saving, redeeming blood. 

There are no conditions to come to You, no prerequisites or good grades, You want me just as I am, right now, in this present moment. 

Jesus wants to know the real You. 

Talk to Him today. You don’t need fancy words or perfect sentences—just speak with Him.

What is it that you want to bring to Jesus? He can’t wait to hear from You, He’s been waiting.