Who Do You Know?

[Jesus] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

When we retrieve the daily mail from the mailbox, we scan the pieces, looking for a handwritten envelope and a familiar name in the return address. When we call a stranger to ask for business or a favor, we try to mention the good name of a mutual acquaintance. In the world of business and interpersonal relations, it’s most often not what we know, but who we know, that counts.

And that could not be more true when it comes to knowing God. What chance would mere mortals have in connecting with God—receiving His favor or His forgiveness—if we did not know someone “on the inside”? And it turns out, we do—if we know Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that Christ came from God (John 8:42) and has returned to God (John 14:1-4), where He “lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25). When Satan comes to accuse us before God (Job 1:9-11), Jesus speaks up immediately and tells the Father, “It’s okay—they are ours. Their sin is covered by My blood.”

Do you know Jesus? Do you rely upon His standing with the Father? Do you approach the Father in Jesus’ name? Who we know will make the difference for all eternity.

Every discussion where [God’s] name is not heard is pointless.

BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX