Known By God

Good day people of God. Hope you’ve had a good weekend. 

We are at verse 8 of Galatians 4 now:

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God-or rather are known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles?” Galatians 4: 8 & 9. 

In my post today, I would like to focus on a little phrase in verse 9. The verse started off saying that the Galatians now knew God but the Apostle interjects, “…or rather are known by God…”  

The phrase is an important one that helps us understand that there are 2 perspectives to our salvation. From our perspective we could say that we have now come to know God and from God’s perspective He now knows us. Our salvation is not just a product of our own efforts. I know that at salvation we made a decision to believe in Jesus Christ, but there is also the vital aspect we need to understand-God now knows us.

God now knows us. Wow!

The original Greek word used to describe God’s knowledge of us does not refer to a general awareness of a thing or a person. It is a word that literarily means “to know intimately and on a personal level”. Permit me to illustrate this way: I know Muhammad Buhari who lives in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the President of Nigeria. I know Barrack Obama who is the President of the United States of America. I also know Oluseun Olowojolu. I don’t have any personal relationship with either President Buhari or President Obama. Oluseun Olowojolu however, is my wife. I know all 3 people but the knowledge I have of my wife is different. It is special. It is intimate and personal. 

It is this sort of knowledge that Galatians 4:9 refers to about God knowing us. So this is not about God’s general knowledge of everything and everyone but a special knowledge. For every believer in Christ, there is an intimate personal knowledge which God has of him or her. God’s personal presence, His personal ownership, His personal love, His personal guidance, His personal kindness and personal care are all yours. This is the reality of the new life in Christ Jesus. 

It is a privileged position we have been brought to and it is important for us to take advantage of our position in Christ. As we go into the week, allow this theme come into dominance in your thoughts.

My song for this week is “No Longer Slaves” by Jonathan David. 

Remember God knows you. Yes, I mean God has an intimate personal knowledge of you and this is another snapshot of God's amazing grace! Have a great day and a lovely week. 

"No Longer Slaves" by Jonathan David