March 11 | 1 John 5:9-13

Beth Voltmann
Mar 11
2 min read

DAILY READING

1 John 5:9-13

REFLECTION

So That You May Know

By Beth Voltmann

I learned a new acronym yesterday while subbing in a middle school class: IYKYK.

A quick bit of research showed it to be a relatively new slang term commonly used on social media platforms. The abbreviation stands for: “If you know, you know.”

Who knew?

Had the disciple John known this acronym in the 1^st century, perhaps he would have used it. Throughout all of his writings, he was intent on helping believers to develop a deep, unshakeable knowledge of God and a certainty of the eternal life promised through his Son, Jesus Christ.

I write these things to you who believe

in the name of the Son of God so that

you may know that you have eternal life.

(1 John 5:13)

Why do doubts arise for believers? Why is it so hard to be sure of what we know?

I have two dear friends who have been growing in their faith for many years, and yet, they often ask me: “How can I know for sure that I am saved?”

When Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them and that they knew the way to where he was going, Thomas piped up, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)

Personally, I remember being troubled by some words of Jesus that were recited during an evening Lent service a few years ago. I wrestled with the thought that perhaps Jesus might ask the same of me: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” (John 14:9)

These very human questions and struggles are the reason John put such an emphasis on the testimony of God.

And this is the testimony:

God has given us eternal life,

and this life is in his Son.

Whoever has the Son has life;

Whoever does not have the Son of God

does not have life.

(1 John 5:11)

This is the Truth. Period. We can count on it. No more questioning. IYKYK

PRAYER

Father,

There is great salvation through Jesus and such power in his name. Please stir within me the confidence to share the promise of my hope of eternal life with others.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I know that I know.

Amen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.