On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
I’m sorry, have we met? When we hear this from one of our best friends from long ago, someone we have never forgotten, the pain of being forgotten is real. We expected their eyes to light up in recognition at seeing an old friend. The torment is sad. It in no way compares though, to the eternal torment felt by those who will hear these words from Jesus. In his case, his memory is perfect and our sins are well known to him. For those who believe, there will be a light in the eyes as one who has known him for years. For the rest, a cold stare and the pain of unrecognition.
As for those of us whose house is built on the rock of Jesus Christ, he knows our address and is constantly with us. We remember vividly the day we met. We suddenly realized he was there the whole time but this time, we recognized him and became life-long friends. We should never forget to talk to Jesus to let him know we have not forgotten him. This is in response to his promise to never forget us. When we see him face to face, we will know him truly and worship him truly when we hear, “I know you.”
Dear Lord, thank you that we know you and you know us in a deep covenant relationship. We pray that our loved ones never hear “I never knew you”. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church