Knowing God vs. Knowing About Him

I'm reading the whole Bible for the third time now. But this time, I haven't set a deadline to finish it. I'm following my own pace, giving myself time to absorb what the Scripture says. I encourage you to do the same. :)

While reading the book of Judges, I’d like to share what the Lord spoke to me. In Judges 11:29-40, we read about Jephthah's vow. He was the ruling judge at the time and had the mission to fight against the Ammonites. But he made a very reckless vow:

And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” Judges 11:30

It turns out that Israel defeated the Ammonites, and guess who came out of Jephthah's house when he returned home? His one and only precious virgin daughter. Long story short, Jephthah tore his clothes in anguish, cried out, but kept his promise and offered her as a burnt sacrifice.

Now, Jephthah did know something of what God had done through Moses, and the Bible says the Spirit of the Lord was upon him at a certain time, but he didn't truly understand who God was or what He desired.

That ignorance cost his daughter’s life. He sought to serve God the way he wanted, not the way God desires. His false beliefs led to wrong and disastrous consequences.

The point is...

Even Satan knows the Lord. But having a relationship with Him and knowing what pleases Him is entirely different. Simply knowing about God is not the same as having a personal relationship with Him and understanding what actions truly align with His will.

True devotion involves actively following His commands and living a life that reflects His values. Knowing the truth is our best defense against being deceived by our sinful nature.

As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Also, I love what Job 42:5 says:

"I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes."

Jephthah had heard of God but didn’t truly know Him. His lack of understanding led to a tragic mistake. Job, on the other hand, moved from simply knowing about God to experiencing Him personally. That’s what we should seek—a deeper, personal knowledge of God that transforms the way we live and the decisions we make.

"Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which reveals Your truth and what pleases You. Help me to discern every intention of my heart. Search me, oh Lord, and point out anything in me that offends You. Lead me along the path of everlasting life. In Jesus' name, Amen."