Not Knowing That You’re Not Known
July 28, 2010
by Alan Cornett
Most of us remember the catchy theme to the old sitcom, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” It appeals to a basic desire of man. Aristotle tells us that “man is a social animal.” God said “It is not good that the man should be alone,” and made for him a companion. (Genesis 2:18) We like to be known, we like to remembered. That desire is fulfilled in part through our fellowship with Christians in local churches. But as wonderful as that blessing is, God offers us much more.
One of the great promises that Jesus gives us is that there is a place for us, a place where we are known. “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2-3) We ought to take comfort in that, be encouraged to go there. Sometimes we feel like we may not fit in or belong anywhere, that no one really cares who we are or remembers us. Jesus assures us for those that are His that will never be the case. It if it were not so He would have told us.
But the place that He has prepared is specifically for those who are His, who have identified themselves with Him. Those who are His have no need for concern; we have assurance of His reward, of our place, to be remembered by name. Yet Jesus also warns us not to be self-deluded into thinking we have a place when we may not: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 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?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
What we find is a tragic scene, one that will be played out over and over again at judgment. Some knew who Jesus was, even called Him Lord. Beyond that they even “worked” in His name. Religious things were done, perhaps with the very best of intentions. But the things done were done in the name of Jesus only in the mind of the doer. Truly to do something in the name of Jesus is to do it according to the revealed will of the Father in heaven. Even if what we do is “good” by our standards, or human standards, or even religious standards, it may simply be an act of lawlessness as far as God is concerned. Proverbs warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man,/but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) The one on judgment thought he was known for all his good works, but finds out—too late—that the Master never knew him at all.
But while there is great danger when we follow our own path, confusing it for the Way of Christ, there is great hope for each of us who is willing to stand firm in the will of God. “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5)
Does Jesus know your name?