“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me…”
John 10:14
The other day I was at Buc-ee’s—it’s quite an experience if you have not been before. Well, as I was waiting for my family to join me at the cash register, I began to people-watch. So many people passed in front of me, behind me, and all around. All those folk, and I mean a lot of folk, had absolutely zero relationship to me and me to them—except that we, of course, all appreciated a Texas-sized convenience store.
And so, standing there, waiting for my family, I began to wonder what it would look like for me to see my family appear amidst all that crowd. There was no question that I would recognize them—from their walk, the way they hold their shoulders, the way they looked around, the drinks they would like to come to the register to purchase, and maybe even a rogue snack one was trying to sneak in at the last minute.
How is this possible? I belong to them, and they belong to me. They’re my family. I know them, and they know me—really well.
And that’s just how it is with Christ and His followers: He knows His own, and His own know Him.
Glory! Glory to God. Consider God’s knowledge of you just for a second. That the Creator of the universe condescends to lift up our heads in times of sadness, calls us up to greatness in times of opportunity, and guides us along this pilgrim’s path we call life. He knows us inside and out. He knows us by name. He knows every intent of our hearts. He knows us, and he brings us to and through seasons that are fit perfectly for His beloved to endure, develop, and transform into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because we belong to Him, we also know Him too. He has made Himself known in His Word and in creation. The heavens declare!
As you consider these truths, there’s one thing I want to encourage you in today: He knows you, and He is good. Therefore, His goodness is expressed in the most complex and yet wonderful ways.
Rest in that love today. Embrace that kind of knowledge. He who began a good work in you will complete it (Phil. 1:6)…He will finish His work in and through you (Eph. 2:10).
Amen. Press on!
— July 23, 2026