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God Knows Us

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 6.

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God Knows Us

By F. M. W.

God knows his children. This is one of the most precious truths of Christian experience. The Saviour says, “I know my sheep.” He knows the characteristics, the peculiar temperament, of every individual member of his flock.
He knows the strength and the weakness of each. His discerning eye can trace the secret, underlying motives and purposes of every action. Small comfort this to the hypocrites of heart or the workers of iniquity; but true comfort indeed to his children.
It is natural for the human heart to long for that sympathy which springs from a knowledge of human needs. This knowledge Christ possesses, and this sympathy he can bestow. His knowledge is not that of theory, but of realization, of his own experience as a man. Says the apostle, “For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
He knows all his children. He knew Peter’s name, the name of the man with whom Peter was stopping in Joppa, the man’s business, the particular location of his house. He knows as much of every child now.
He knows how heavy are life’s burdens, how hard to lift and bear life’s crosses, how difficult the upward way. He knows how stinging the rude taunt, how hard to stand the base insult. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. He knew the loss of friends, the poignancy of human woe. He wept at the grave of Lazarus, and his heart is touched to-day by scenes of sickness and suffering. He was born of poor parentage, and therefore can feel for the humble toilers in life’s conflicts. In all his public work he stood alone, alone though surrounded by a multitude, finding communion only with his own heart and with God, misunderstood and misrepresented. And he can feel for those who stand alone to-day. He understands their heartaches and longings, and can satisfy every desire for communion and companionship.
In view of this human experience of our divine Helper, the apostle concludes: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
God knows how weak we are, and yet, knowing this, he blesses still. Says the psalmist: “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” He blesses, knowing, when he does so, that his blessings will be unappreciated. Our failures never surprise God. His great heart of love is grieved, but he knew it all before. This consideration, instead of inclining to forgetfulness and thoughtlessness, should lead to greater care. He sheds abroad his love to win us. It is his goodness which leads to repentance. The one who truly loves our Father in heaven, will shrink from grieving his great loving heart.
May the knowledge that God knows, and knowing, can abundantly supply our need, lead us to walk carefully before him, and to fight courageously and hopefully the battles of our Christian warfare.
F. M. W.