Scripture: John 17:3 CEB “This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.” In what seems like a different world and a long time ago … we used to answer a home phone that rang from the wall or counter. We would run over to the phone and pick it up not even knowing who might be on the other end of the line. It was a little bit of an excitement to wonder who it might be. As you picked up the phone and put it to your ear you would say, “Hello.” The other person would then say something like, “Hello, may I please speak to Suzy?” If Suzy indeed lived there, and was home, you would tell her someone was on the phone for her. In a lot of ways, it is a day that has passed us by and given way to new technology. If we still have a home phone, we now have caller ID and know who is on the other end of the phone before we ever answer the call. Many people no longer have a home phone and only have cell phones. If this is the case, then an actual phone call is rare. Instead, we communicate via text messages, emails and social media. If you suggest to a teenager to call one of their friends on the phone they will look at you as if you are speaking a foreign language. There is only one thing I truly miss about the home phone. When the phone rang and you went to answer it, as soon as the person on the other end of the phone answered, you knew who it was just by their voice. Do you remember this phenomenon? Whenever a good friend or relative called you knew who they were immediately, you didn’t need them to tell you who they were. Of course, this still happens today, but with the technology of today we usually know who it is before we answer. The reason we know someone by their voice is because we know the person. It takes spending time with and around someone to know them just by their voice. When you spend time getting to know someone over a long period of time you will know them just by the sound of their voice. This is what relationships, friendships are all about. We spend time getting to know each other well. As you are reading this, what friends' voices come to mind? I bet there are a few close friends who you are thinking of right now because you know them and they know you. In part, this is what a true relationship with God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is like. We get to know God as we spend time in prayer, reading Scripture, fasting, journaling, and meeting with fellow believers. Our relationship grows closer and we begin to know God and recognize God’s voice. We are able to more readily understand God’s will for our life. Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection become clearer and we better understand what it means for our lives. It is only through intimacy with God that we can truly know God. This is what Jesus meant when he prayed, “This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.” We must spend time getting to know God, through Jesus Christ whom God sent. It is through time spent in relationship with Jesus that we come to know his voice. We come to know his voice in the whispers and quiet moments. We come to know his voice in the storms of life. We come to know Jesus’ voice in all the moments of life. We must know God to know God’s voice. Start your day with a time of prayer and Scripture reading. Pray to know God and allow God to know you. I know that God created you and knows you better than you know yourself. However, there is something very freeing about opening yourself intentionally to be known by God. I believe it helps you to know God more intimately and completely. Be intentional today about seeking to know God better, more deeply. Take time today to listen for God’s voice. It is important to know God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There will be at least one moment today where you will need to hear the voice of Jesus. Spend some time preparing for that moment. This is what Jesus said is eternal life: to know God, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom God sent. Prayer: Holy and sending God, thank you for sending the gift of your Son, Jesus. I long to know you more. I will be intentional about listening for your voice today. I know you know me and I want to be known fully. Help me through your Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus, to know you in every moment of my day. I pray that you will receive all honor and glory and praise. In the name of Jesus. Amen.