In the grand tapestry of faith, there’s a thread that weaves through every believer’s journey – the pursuit of knowing God intimately. It’s not merely about understanding doctrines or following rules; it’s about developing a deep, personal relationship with the King of Kings. This relationship forms the foundation of true kingdom living.
Consider the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35. Here, we see a stark contrast between the incredible mercy of the king and the harsh treatment by the forgiven servant. This story isn’t just about forgiveness; it’s a window into the very nature of our heavenly King. His mercy is boundless, His forgiveness complete. When we truly grasp the depth of His grace towards us, how can we not extend the same to others?
The prophet Zechariah painted a beautiful picture of our coming King: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). This prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, reveals the multifaceted nature of our King. He is righteous and victorious, yet humble and approachable. Power wrapped in humility – this is the paradox of our King.
Too often, we approach God like He’s a distant monarch, unreachable and unapproachable. But the truth is, our King comes to us. He’s always moving towards us, always reaching out. In times of trouble, in moments of joy, in the mundane routines of daily life – He is there, present and active.
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, saying, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3). This tender imagery speaks volumes about the gentle nature of our King. He doesn’t discard the broken or extinguish the faint. Instead, He nurtures, He restores, He fans into flame the tiniest spark of faith.
Knowing this, King transforms us. As we behold Him, we are changed “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). We become what we behold. The more time we spend in His presence, the more we take on His character. His principles cease to be burdensome rules and become the natural outflow of a heart aligned with His.
But how do we get to know this King? It starts with recognising the multifaceted nature of His relationship with us. He is our King, yes, but He’s also our Father, our Brother, our Friend. Each facet reveals a different aspect of His character and invites us into a deeper connection with Him.
As our Father, He disciplines us – not to punish, but to shape us into His image. Hebrews 12:9 encourages us to “submit to the Father of spirits and live.” This submission isn’t born of fear but of love and trust. It’s recognising that His correction comes from a place of deep love and a desire for our growth.
As our Brother, Jesus is not ashamed to call us His siblings (Hebrews 2:11). This speaks of equality, of acceptance, of a bond that can’t be broken. Just as a big brother might stand up for a younger sibling, Jesus stands as our advocate, our defender.
The invitation from Jesus in Matthew 11:29 encapsulates the heart of knowing the King: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Notice that Jesus doesn’t just invite us to learn His teachings, but to learn Him. To know His heart, His character, His very nature.
This knowledge isn’t meant to be merely intellectual. It’s experiential. It’s relational. It’s transformative. When we truly know the King, we begin to reflect His kingdom. Our lives become a testament to His rule and reign. People should be able to look at us and get a glimpse of what the King is like.
So how do we cultivate this knowledge? It starts with intentionality. We must make space in our lives to simply be with Him. This might mean setting aside our usual Bible reading plan for a week and instead spending time meditating on one aspect of His character. It might mean sitting in silence, inviting Him to speak to our hearts. It could involve reflecting on the ways He’s shown mercy in our lives, recounting His faithfulness through the years.
As we do this, we begin to see the world through His eyes. We start to understand His heart for the broken, His passion for justice, His desire for reconciliation. We begin to grasp why He gave certain commands and how they’re meant for our good and His glory.
Knowing the King also means allowing His word to shape us. The Psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we’re not just gaining information; we’re encountering the living Word. We’re allowing it to discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, to separate what is soulish from what is spiritual.
This knowledge of the King should lead to action. As we understand His heart for the lost, we become His ambassadors. As we grasp His concern for the poor and marginalised, we become His hands and feet. As we comprehend His desire for justice, we become advocates for the oppressed.
In essence, knowing the King is about aligning our hearts with His. It’s about seeing the world as He sees it, loving as He loves, forgiving as He forgives. It’s about allowing His nature to so permeate our being that we naturally exude the fragrance of Christ.
As we embark on this journey of knowing the King more deeply, may we approach Him with open hearts and minds. May we be willing to let go of our preconceptions and allow Him to reveal Himself in fresh ways. May we never lose the wonder of who He is and the privilege we have to call Him not just King, but Father and Friend.
Let us commit to spending intentional time with Him this week. Let’s set aside our agendas and simply say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” As we do, may we find ourselves transformed, our lives becoming a clearer reflection of His kingdom, and our hearts beating in sync with His.
