Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 2 Samuel 13:1–39, John 17:1–26, Psalm 119:81–96, Proverbs 16:6–7

---

Jesus Wants You

Forever is difficult for us to fully comprehend.

Our lives here are measured in days, seasons, birthdays, years, beginnings, and endings. Everything around us constantly changes, fades, grows older, or eventually passes away. Because of that, it can be easy to live focused only on temporary things while forgetting that eternity is real and far longer than the short life we experience on earth.

The Lord reminds us in today’s Gem of Knowledge, 

“Forever is a long time. Don’t let it be your undoing by rejecting Me. Instead, let Me make it a delight for us both.”

There is something both sobering and deeply loving about that statement.

God is not threatening us there – He is pleading with us!

He understands the weight of eternity far more than we ever could, and His desire is not separation from us, but closeness with us forever. From the very beginning, God’s heart has always been relationship. He created us for fellowship, intimacy, love, and eternal life with Him.

That is why Jesus’ prayer in John 17 feels so deeply personal.

As Jesus prepares for the cross, He prays:

“And this is the way to have eternal life — to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” (NLT)

I love that eternal life is described there not merely as existing forever, but as knowing Him.

Relationship.

Nearness.

Connection.

Many people think of eternity only in terms of destination, but Jesus speaks of it as intimacy with God beginning even now. Eternal life is not simply something waiting for believers after death. It begins the moment a heart truly comes alive in relationship with Him.

And honestly, that changes how we live today.

When we understand God’s heart toward us, obedience becomes less about obligation and more about closeness. We begin realizing His commands are not meant to steal joy from us, but to protect us from the very things that slowly destroy hearts, relationships, peace, and intimacy with Him.

In today’s reading from 2 Samuel 13, we see the devastating consequences of uncontrolled desire, deception, bitterness, revenge, and unresolved sin ripple through David’s family. One compromise and sinful decision opens the door to heartbreak and destruction affecting many lives afterward.

Sin always promises satisfaction in the moment while hiding the damage it leaves behind.

But God sees the eternal picture.

Proverbs 16:6 says:

“Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.” (NLT)

True reverence for God protects us because it keeps our hearts aligned with the One who loves us most. His ways are not restrictive chains; they are protective boundaries leading us toward life, peace, healing, and eternal joy with Him.

There is something powerful about a heart that continually turns back toward God because it understands where true life is found.

And the beautiful truth is this:
God does not merely want us to survive eternity.

He wants eternity with Him to be a delight.

He wants us to know His presence, His peace, His love, and His goodness both now and forever. He is not standing far away waiting to reject people. He continually calls hearts closer to Himself because His desire has always been relationship.

Forever is indeed a very long time… So do not spend this temporary life rejecting the One your soul was created for.

Instead, come near to Him and let Him make eternity a joy starting today. 💎

---

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Start your eternity with God today by giving Him just 5 minutes of your day. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He gives you by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He gives you – then do it!

Spend time reflecting honestly on your relationship with Him. Ask yourself whether you are simply knowing about Him or truly walking closely with Him. Invite Him to deepen your love, trust, reverence, and intimacy with Him in both your present life and your eternal future.

---

Prayer

Lord, thank You for desiring relationship with me and not simply outward religion or performance. Help me not to become distracted by temporary things while forgetting the eternal reality You created me for. Draw my heart closer to You and teach me to truly know You deeply and personally. Give me wisdom to turn away from the things that slowly damage intimacy with You, and help me walk in reverence, love, obedience, and trust. Thank You for offering not only eternal life, but eternal closeness with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.