What a thrilling thought to be known by Jesus – and not just from afar like an acquaintance but up close like a friend or spouse. But Jesus knows us even better than a friend or spouse because he knows EVERYTHING about us. He knows every fear that keeps us awake at night or distracted during the day. He knows every fantasy that sails across our mind and docks in the port of our heart. He knows every grace-robbing word we’ve stolen from others to keep for ourselves. And yet when Jesus is confronted by such knowledge, he doesn’t run away from us saying as he goes (like Jerry Seinfeld to George Costanza), “Good luck with all that!” He pursues us, he welcomes us, he loves us and he changes us. The thought that my sin doesn’t chase Jesus off is freedom, and the thought that Jesus chases my sin away is real love. He does not let me stay in my sin because he knows the harm it does to my soul. May we know the thrill of freedom and joy that comes from being known by Jesus and may such knowledge move us towards knowing one another, extending the love of Christ to others.