What It Means to Know God

Does it make you any more of a king
that you outstrip everyone else in building with cedar?
Just think about your father.
He was content that he had food and drink.
He did what was just and right.
So things went well with him.
He upheld the cause of the poor and needy.
So things went well for Judah.’
The LORD says,
‘That is a good example of what it means to know me.

Jeremiah 22:15-16 NET

Josiah had reigned for 31 years before he was killed in battle. He had devoted himself to the Lord and invested much time and effort in purging the land of idolatry and restoring the Temple. He is described as one of the best kings the nation ever had.

At his death, Judah became a vassal state of Egypt and Josiah’s son, Jehoiakim, was installed as a puppet king. But by the end of his 11 years as king, Babylon had conquered Judah, and Jehoiakim was taken to Babylon in chains. Unlike his father, Jehoiakim is described as one who did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

It would appear from Jeremiah’s words here that Jehoiakim’s primary concern as king was himself. He mistreated his people, constructing an elaborate place for himself at their expense. It seems his measure of success as a king was the grandeur of his place (Jer. 22:13-14).

In contrast, Josiah was held up as a good example of what it means to know God. Unlike Jehoiakim, he was content with what he had. He did what was just and right. And he upheld the cause of the poor and needy. As a result, things went well for both he and the nation.

Two kings. One knew God, and it was reflected in his dedication to God and service to his people. The other did not, and it was reflected in his focus on himself.

To know God is to be in a relationship with him—to be saved. Our salvation is not based on what we do. But our relationship with God, or lack thereof, will be demonstrated by the fruit we produce.

So, what does your life say about your relationship with God? What kind of fruit are you producing?