Knowing God

By Pastor Tony Cervero

Paul realized that if the believer does not share and experience the suffering and resurrection of Jesus - they will never truly KNOW Jesus. He prayed: I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Phil. 3:10-11

Every year on the anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, his fans are interviewed about their love for "The King" of Rock'n'Roll. This past year, Dennis Wise, an avid Elvis fan for years was quoted about his obsession:
"I love Elvis. I followed him, his whole career. I have every album he recorded, and seen every movie he made. I once even bought some boots when I was in junior high school that looked just like his. The kids called them "fruit boots." But I didn't care - they looked like Elvis.

Later, I even got a face-lift, and a hair contour like his. I have won Elvis look-alike contest, and wanted him to notice, so I would storm the stage during and after concerts he would do. I don't think he ever saw me. I have ticket stubs from concerts, Elvis news clippings from all over the world, and even a pillow Elvis slept on.

Presley was and is my idol. My only regret was ...that I never really saw him ... I mean, really saw him. Sure, I went to concerts, but there was no contact. I once even climbed the walls around Graceland, the Presley's mansion, to catch a glimpse of him. I think it might have been him that was walking through the house as I was looking through my binoculars. But ... I never really saw him. It is funny ... all the effort I put in to following him - and I never could seem to get close."

So often, our experience with God sounds too much like Dennis Wise. We want to experience intimacy with God, but for too many, in spite of all the effort and time - they never seem to get close. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

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