I Want to Know You More

It was a name from the past that seemed to come out of nowhere; but as I thought about 'Mr. O', I quickly recognized the connect was in the passage of Scripture in front of me.

Whatever I used to count as my greatest accomplishments, I’ve written them off as a loss because of Christ. And more so, I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing…compared to knowing Jesus my Lord.

When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness...but…relying on the faithfulness of the Christ.

I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death, so that I may arrive safely.

I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything Christ Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.  

Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission.  I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus Christ. 

For now, let’s hold on to what we have been shown and keep in step with these teachings.

                                                                                                                                                 Philippians 3:7-16

The words of the Apostle Paul brought to mind a time when Mr. Ottaway, our worship leader at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Chatham, Ontario, sang a song by Steven Fry entitled, O, I want to Know You More.  I could see his face and her him sing the words:

Just the time I feel that I've been caught in the mire of self
Just the time I feel my mind's been bought by worldly wealth
That's when the breeze begins to blow, I know the Spirit's call
And all my worldly wanderings just melt into His love

Oh I want to know You more
Deep within my soul I want to know You
Oh I want to know You

To feel Your heart and know Your mind
Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me
Cries that say, I want to know You
Oh I want to know You more

And when my daily deeds, ordinarily lose life and song
My heart begins to bleed, sensitivity to Him is gone
I've run the race but set my own pace and face a shattered soul
Now the gentle arms of Jesus, warm my hunger to be whole

Oh I want to know You more
Deep within my soul I want to know You
Oh I want to know You

To feel Your heart and know Your mind
Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me
Cries that say, I want to know You
Oh I want to know You

And I would give my final breath to know You in Your death and resurrection
Oh I want to know You more
Oh I want to know You -- to know You more
Oh I want to know You more

Copyright 1983 - Birdwing Music - CCLI #264120

Click here to hear this song.

Once again my heart was stirred, as it was the fist time I heard it as a new Christian.  (Years later when I was pastoring in Hamilton, Ontario, I invited Lloyd to sing the same song at our church there; hearts were deeply moved, including mine.)  Thank you, 'Mr. O' -- you were to me a mentor and friend!  One day I will get to hear you sing again in heaven!

Despite my failures and limitations and at times, a sense of deep disappointment for having chosen my own way, the words of Scripture and the words of this song draw be back to the presence of my Lord and there I am able to find rest in His presence.

My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

My friends at Valley, may that same passion to live in and rest in the presence of God be yours as you continue this journey of faith.  May you hear the Lord Jesus say to you:  Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.  (Hebrews 13:5)