Duck Dynasty, Jesus, and Knowing God

Duck Dynasty, Jesus, and Knowing God

Have you ever heard of the show "Duck Dynasty"? It comes on Wednesday nights on A&E, and, in my opinion, it is one of the best shows on television right now.

The show is a reality tv kind of show that follows the exploits of a redneck family that has turned millionaires as they mass produce duck calls and duck hunting videos. They are hilarious as their different personalities allow for copious fiascos. The thing I love most about the show? I know all those people.

The Robertson family has been a part of my life since I was a little boy. I grew up in the church where Phil is an elder. Their oldest son, Alan, was the associate minister there when I was younger and has served as one of the pulpit ministers for the last several years. Jase taught a small group in his home on Revelation that I attended as a teen. Willie worked with the camp I grew up attending each year, and Jep and I went to school and were in youth group together.

I even worked for Duck Commander for a season. Each day I would package duck calls and answer the phone, and for lunch Mrs. Kay would fix a huge spread for everyone who worked there. It was delicious, and I gained most of my excess weight working for them.

The thing that was most impactful to me working there was visiting with Phil about the importance of the Kingdom of God in the life of each of us. He taught me how the Kingdom is central to the message of Jesus. He also showed me what courageous, bold evangelism looked like. I saw several people show up and sit in his living room (this is before they had the warehouse) to meet the Duck Commander. If they were there longer than ten minutes he was sharing the saving message of Jesus with them. I was inspired.

I love telling people that I know the Robertsons. I love to see the look on their faces when I tell them stories about before they were television stars. Ok, I'll admit it. I also love the recognition it brings me to be associated with them.

Knowing the Robertsons is cool, but I don't think I need to find my definition by my association with them. I know them, and I am proud to tell you I know them, but there is someone else I need to know more. There is someone else I need to be even more excited to tell you about.

In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul describes two attributes of people who would not be separated from God eternally. The second attribute is a person who obeys the gospel. The best way I can see of obeying the act of the gospel -- the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) -- is to re-enact that gospel (Romans 6:1-4). Obeying the gospel is rather simple.

The other attribute of a person who won't be shut out from the presence of God is that they "know God".

Do you know God? Many people claim to know God, but you could never tell it by their life. You never hear his name on their lips except as an explicative. And please don't lie to yourself. "Oh my God" is not a prayer when you say it after you kick your toe or see the coolest shirt ever or get unexpectedly rained on.

We are called to know God. That relationship should be the defining relationship of our lives. It should consume us to the point that everyone who comes in contact with us finds out about our relationship with God. When that happens, then we will be excited to tell others how they, too, can have that kind of relationship with Him.

This is not an oppressive relationship with God ruling us with an iron fist. It is a loving relationship where I fail to keep my covenant to Him daily, and He daily forgives me and gives me more and more chances because of His grace and mercy. He doesn't love us "if". He loves us unconditionally. He wants relationship with you so badly that He came in the form of Jesus to live a perfect life in your place and die a cruel death in your place, so that in spite of your continual sin you can have relationship with Him. That's love.

I'm excited to know the Robertsons, but I'm even more excited to know Jesus. I'm excited to know God. And I'm excited to tell you about Him.

Do you have that kind of relationship with God? Are you unashamed to know Him, or do you shrink back when someone accuses you of being His follower? Do you profess Him in name only, or do you walk with Him each day in prayer, meditation, and searching through His word?

If all who professed to be Christians were truly in relationship with God the world would be a much different place.

Lets get to know God. If you'd like to know more about having this relationship as the redeeming point of your life, then please contact me at mrjdobbs@gmail.comor through my blog at http://www.mrdobbs.org.

God bless you as you walk with Him each day!




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