Having assurance is a blessing. To not be left to wonder serves to greatly encourage. To know a very significant relationship is true brings great joy. This should no more be true than in our view of our Savior.
Recently I saw a post expressing the words “Blessed Assurance Jesus Is Mine.” I have long loved that wonderful hymn and the words expressed by Fanny J. Crosby (1873). Truly it is as the words go on, “Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!” Why? Because the hymn goes on to note the relationship as, “Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.” It is a very encouraging hymn regarding the blessing of the assurance found in the genuine relationship with Jesus!
As those words recently went through my mind regarding that assurance, on this occasion my thoughts turned to a different aspect of the focus; one which serves to enhance the reality of the assurance. What came to mind was “Blessed assurance I am Jesus’!” It is true He is my Lord and Savior and I must continue acknowledging Him as such lest my focus be drawn to follow another. However, the great assurance is not merely in my own declaration of the relationship, but in the reality I belong to Him; I am His! It is like when Paul noted how the Christians at Galatia had come to know God, but then noted it in the sense, “rather to be known by God.” (Galatians 4:9) To know I am known ought to greatly increase my faith!
Paul encouraged. . .
“(19) But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”” (2 Timothy 2:19 ESV)
And Jesus Himself stated. . .
“(14) I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, (15) just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. . . . . (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:15-15 & 27 ESV)
Yes, blessed assurance Jesus knows me! In that acknowledgement is found the greatest security I could ever desire; resting securely in His loving and powerful hands. (John 10:28-29) In that assurance I will continue following Him as one of His sheep!
Have a great day TRUSTING THE SECURITY IN BELONGING TO THE LORD!
Carl
