#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Have you ever felt like you’re going through the motions of faith—reading the Bible, attending church, but still feeling empty inside? It’s a common struggle, and it often comes down to the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. Let’s dive into what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ, the heart of our faith.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
As C.S. Lewis once pointed out, “Once you were not a Christian, you knew less. Now that you are, you must know more—but knowing more about Christ is not the same as knowing Him.” Many of us can recite facts about Jesus or quote Scripture, but miss the deeper connection He invites us into. In John 5:39-40, Jesus Himself warned against this, telling the religious leaders of His day that they studied the Scriptures yet refused to come to Him for true life. Norman Geisler echoes this in his teachings, emphasizing that Christianity is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative relationship with the living Christ. The Bible isn’t just a book of rules or history—it’s a doorway to encountering Jesus personally.
Look at Matthew 11:28 again. Jesus doesn’t say, “Come to a set of beliefs” or “Come to a list of dos and don’ts.” He says, “Come to me.” This is an invitation to rest in Him, to know Him intimately, and to let that relationship bring peace to your weary soul. It’s a reminder that Christianity isn’t about head knowledge alone but about a heart connection with our Savior.
Encouragement & Application:
If you’re feeling distant from Jesus, don’t worry—He’s waiting for you to come to Him. Start small by setting aside a few quiet moments each day to talk to Him, not just about your needs, but to listen and share your heart. Dive into the Gospels to see how Jesus interacted with people—let His words and actions draw you closer. And don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or mentor to pray with you and help you grow in this relationship. Remember, knowing Jesus isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily journey of fellowship.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you feel more focused on knowing about Jesus or truly knowing Him in your daily life?
- What’s one way you can prioritize personal time with Jesus this week?
- How does Matthew 11:28 encourage you to seek rest in Him rather than in religious activities alone?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for inviting me to come to You and find rest. Forgive me for the times I’ve focused more on knowing about You than truly knowing You. Help me to build a deeper, personal relationship with You through prayer, Scripture, and quiet moments in Your presence. Draw me closer to Your heart each day. In Your name, Amen.
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