Relationships don’t grow unless as they are intentionally deepened.

‘I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.’ (Philippians 3:10)

I know a lot about Queen Elizabeth II. I know she was born in 1926, she is married to Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and this year she is celebrating 60 years on the throne. While I know many things about her, if you were to meet her in England one day and say, ‘Charles Price sends you his greetings,’ she would respond, ‘Who in the world is Charles Price?’ She doesn’t know I exist.

Many people know Christ on a similar level. They can recite the creed and quote many things He said. They know historical details of His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension to His Father. We can know and believe all these things and have no relationship with Him. A relationship with Christ cannot develop without intentionality of time spent with Him, talking to Him, listening to Him, exposing our innermost thoughts, fears and joys.

It is in ‘knowing Him,’ says Paul, that we know the power of His resurrection, and that resurrection life equips us to ‘participate in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.’ To be like Him in His death is not to in any way contribute to our redemption, but to be like Him in His obedience which led to His death– complete and unquestioning. We do not need the resurrected life of Christ to enjoy a life free of suffering, but we do need it to ‘participate in his sufferings.’ Often, this is where we really get to know Christ.

Lord, I want to go deeper with You. Open Your ways to me, even if it involves sharing in Your suffering.

Bible in one year: Psalm 44 | Numbers 8