Hosea 6:3 (KJV) Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Knowing and loving the LORD is what is most important and necessary. Everything else is secondary. When we know Jesus Christ the rest will fall in place. The LORD GOD almighty Himself desires people to know Him, it is more important than offering things to Him. Becoming to know Him one realises that He is merciful and His desire is for us to be merciful and walk in His ways.
Hosea 6:6 (NKJV) For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
How can one walk in GOD’s ways without knowing Him, knowing His desires, character, etc.?
It is impossible to do that. So how do we get to know Him? The LORD reveals Himself through Word of God the bible by the working of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was with His followers for around 3 years and even after that time they didn’t comprehend,.. the LORD Jesus had to actually give the the understanding
“Luke 24:45 (KJV) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,” He himself asked His followers how He is “Matthew 16:16-18 (KJV) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” We can see that GOD himself needs to reveal Himself to people so they start the journey of who coming to know Jesus. The revelation of knowing who Jesus is the foundation of His church. If one does have that revelation knowledge of who Jesus Christ is then one is not a real part of His Church. Once we have that revelation we commence a journey of knowing Him more and more. Have a read of Philippians 3:7-21. In that passage it demonstrates Paul’s journey of knowing Him more and more “Philippians 3:10 (KJV) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”. It’s is up to GOD to reveal Himself to us to start that journey but it we have an important part to play in it right from the beginning. Jesus said “Matthew 7:7 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” we need to start wanting to really know GOD and by actively seeking, He will reveal Himself. This is how we come to know Him and then this is how we continue to know Him more.
When we have that initial knowledge we then have a responsibility to grow in that and that is through seeking Him by prayer, studying the Word of God, gathering with bothers and sisters (His Church), and start obeying Him more and more.
Let us therefore encourage one another (and those who have not yet started that journey) in the pursuit of knowing the LORD.
“Psalms 100:1-5 (KJV) A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”