Seekers

The list of things we are looking for can be endless. We seek riches, purpose, long-life, hope, respect, love, family, strength, healing, wisdom, authority, happiness, deliverance, fulfillment, and a million other things. Are any of us truly seeking the Messiah?

^“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.” John 1:35-39 (KJV)

These disciples knew who they seeking. They took an action that changed their lives. Once they found “The Lamb of God”, they allowed Him to direct their path. Do we have the assurance of faith as we spend our lives searching and seeking? Abraham was a man determined to find the city whose builder and maker was God. Are we following his example?

^“[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10 (AMP)

We often discount or ignore the concept destiny; yet, readily proclaim, “God has a plan for my life.” Our time is consumed in the pursuit of comfort, material possessions, recapturing youth, and getting “ahead” in this life. We rarely give any thought to the ultimate destination our choices are taking us.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

Instead of chasing the next “Best thing since sliced bread” or jumping on the “New and improved” band wagon, we can invest our lives in the “Kingdom of Light”. The message we have to share opens hearts and minds to God’s plan. Walking in the steps laid out for us insures the success and fulfillment we seek. In the scope of eternity, that list things we are looking for in life often doesn’t hold its value.

 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB)

Do we approach serving the Lord the way my little sister attacked shopping for a new outfit? She would enter the first store on her list, go to the racks of clothing in her size examine every possible option, and put everything back on the rack without purchasing a single item. Then she would repeat that process at every clothing store in town, go back to the first store, pick up the first outfit, buy it and head home. When I asked about the process she said, “I just needed to see all the options before making my choice.”

For all the shopping seekers out there, my advice is: Time is running out. Make a choice. God offers the greatest reward in this life and the only positive eternal experience. He even invites us to taste His goodness before we put our trust in Him. Activate your faith today! The shoppers in my family don’t always know what they are looking for but they are sure of one fact: They know a good deal when they see it.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:8-14 (KJV)

What are you looking for? Riches, purpose, long-life, hope, respect, love, family, strength, healing, wisdom, authority, happiness, deliverance, fulfillment, and a million other things, God delivers on all His promises and will meet your needs.

 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.  I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.  I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.” Proverbs 8:12-21 (NIV)

Follow the examples of scripture. Be a seeker, but know the object of your quest travels the path of righteousness. He rewards all who diligently seek Him. It’s all in the power of the resurrection.