12^th January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

 THEME: KNOWING GOD IS PRICELESS

 THEME SCRIPTURE:  "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8 NKJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION  

1. How progressive has your knowledge of God been these past few years?

Paul had become an influential man among the Jews before his encounter with Christ. He was a learned man, respected among the Jews. Not only that, he was circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (Phil 3:5-6). The Apostle had so much to pride himself in. These were gains or privileges to him then. When he met Christ and began to delve deeper into his relationship with his Lord, he realized that all those things he considered privileges were but rubbish in comparison to his intimate knowledge of, and relationship with, the Infinite One.

Beloved, what Apostle Paul called "gains" can be summarized as credits and credentials, reputation and recognitions, positions and power, successes, and accolades, which accrued to him.

 However, when the Apostle came to know Jesus intimately and deeply, the value he placed on these things and his confession changed. According to our theme scripture, Apostle Paul asserted that, “Whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving, recognizing, and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake, I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)." Glory to God.

Beloved, what can be so important to you compared to your relationship with Christ? How do you value and earnestly pursue an intimate relationship with your Lord?

Today, it is possible to find professing Christians who actually see their relationship as not their goal but a means to achieve success in life. To them, their Christian life is their way of gaining success and accolades, prestige and power, financial success, etc.

 They are leveraging on a little relationship with the Master to get to their goal [which is far from being one with Him]. Such have no hunger and deep appreciation for perceiving, recognizing, and understanding Jesus more fully and clearly. They do not see the sense in losing everything for the sake of Christ. Child of God, do you make your Lord a means and not your goal? Do you make Him your springboard and not your destination?

This year, precious one, know Him more and more. Choose to know Him intimately and deeply. Let the eyes of your understanding be enlightened today to see the priceless privilege, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage of knowing the True One.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING:  Philippians 3:1-9

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD  

1. Are there things you consider more valuable than your relationship and constant pursuit of the knowledge of God?  

2. What are you willing to lose for Christ's sake?

PRAYER  

Precious Lord, I want to know you more and more. Birth in me a hunger for my Lord; a desire to seek you every day of my life. I receive your help today, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 24; Psalm 12; Matthew 10