Do you know what it means to "know God?" Jeremiah 22-26

Jeremiah 22:15-16 (NASBStr)

“Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar?

Did not your father eat and drink

And do justice and righteousness?

Then it was well with him.

 “He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy;

Then it was well.

 Is not that what it means to know Me?”

Declares the Lord.

There is a lot of talk in our religious world and in our churches about "knowing God."   The pursuit of God and knowledge of Him is at the center of our thoughts.  We, believers, want to know Him.   Paul stated he wanted to "know Him and the power of His resurrection" (Philippians 3:10).  Knowing God is, or should be, our highest pursuit.   The great Christian writer A.W. Tozer wrote one of the most compelling books on this subject early in the last century entitled, "The Pursuit of God."    However, the problem with most of our pursuit is that we fail to comprehend the real meaning of "knowing God."   Here, in the above verses, Give gives Jeremiah, who gives to us, one of the most direct definitions of what it means to "know God."   In God's definition "knowing" Him involves a covenant to "act like Him."   Knowledge of God is not in the framework of information ... although it can include that aspect.   But, a true "relationship-knowing" of God involves God working through us for the point of practicing justice, mercy and righteousness with those around us.   God created us and redeemed us because it was in His nature to do so.   If we "know" God we will become like Him in that same pursuit of reaching out to others in grace and mercy ... we can't help doing that if we "know" God.   Jeremiah is speaking to the nation and talking about the ruler, the King, of the nation.  He is saying that being a "king" is not just building a palace.  It is practicing godliness.   Knowing God is an action not a passive information gathering function.  The next time you want to "know" God, remember the definition God gave Jeremiah.