Have you ever been able to go somewhere or enjoy an unique experience because you knew someone important? As an example, imagine showing up and trying to get in to Buckingham Palace. When the guards ask what you are doing, you reply, “I know the king.” It is a guarantee that the guards would refuse your entrance because anyone can say that they know the king. On the other hand, if the king told the guards, “I know her,” you would be welcomed inside the palace.
In John 10:27, the Bible says, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: The Bible clearly states that Jesus knows His sheep. I have read this verse hundreds of times and probably heard it preached just as many. However, this time I saw it in a new light. The phrase “I know them” really stuck out to me.
I have no idea what it will be like when we reach Heaven’s gate. Will we be escorted in immediately? Will there be a “welcome home” party or any other number of events that our imagination cannot even fathom? The possibilities are endless. One thing I know for sure is that the reason I will be allowed to enter Heaven is because Jesus the King of kings knows me.
Many will say that they are going to Heaven because they know Jesus, but that is not enough. Matthew 7:22-23 says, Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. These “many” professed to know Jesus, even did works in His name, but Jesus said that He never knew them. What a sad day it will be when those people realize that knowing Jesus was not enough to get them into Heaven!
I will not enter Heaven because of any good deeds that I have done or because “I know” Jesus. It will be because Jesus knows me; I am one of His sheep. The sheep hear His voice and follow Him. That is how Jesus knows that they are His sheep. When I get to Heaven, how exciting it will be when the King of Kings looks at me and says, “I know you!” Does He know you?
By Crystal Collingsworth
