Make sure Jesus knows you

“On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” Matthew 7:22-23 NLT

In an article titled, “U.S. ultramathron runner Camille Herron breaks World record, but there's a catch” published by Fox News last week, the following was reported: Professional long distance runner Camille Herron ran for an unprecedented 100 miles, but later found out it did not set the world record.Herron is widely viewed as one of the top ultrarunners in the world. In February, she won the Jackpot Ultra Running Festival 100-miler in Nevada.The race was billed as the USA Track and Field 100 Mile Road Championships. It took Herron 12 hours, 41 minutes and 11 seconds, which beat second-place finisher Arlen Glick by almost 30 minutes. She beat her own record of 12 hours, 42 minutes and 40 second, or at least that what she figured. The course was remeasured twice, and officials ultimately ruled that the course had been shortened by 716 feet. The alteration meant the USA Track and Field committee would not ratify Herron's record. The 40-year-old runner said the situation has been devastating. She went on to say “ I hope I get another opportunity at the record, but I may not — you don’t know what the future holds.”

And you know, when it comes to devastating situations and hoping for another opportunity to set things right, the Bible tells us that on judgment day many people will be utterly shocked and deeply grieved to learn that, despite their greatest efforts to work their way into heaven, Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” You see, although people will try to justify themselves as worthy of heaven on the basis of their works, only true faith in Christ will grant a person access to heaven since Jesus only knows His own, or those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Everyone else is considered a lawbreaker whose sins are deserving of death.

So knowing that there will be no second chances on the day we stand before the throne, let me ask you this my friend… do you know Jesus or just know of Him? The answer to that is of eternal importance because it will determine where you spend eternity. Make the decision to follow Him now, if you haven’t already, to avoid hearing the most devastating words that could ever be spoken… “I never knew you.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that ONLY those people who have a relationship with Jesus are known by You and will be allowed into heaven. Cause us to truly understand that none of us knows what the future holds so that we would not put off making the choice to follow You now and would warn others to take heed as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!