Today’s Reading: John 11:54-57
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, ‘What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?’”
* * * * *
Hostilities were rising against Jesus. He knew the chief priests and Pharisees wanted to arrest him. But he knew the time of his arrest needed to wait until the end of the Passover. So he went to Ephraim to wait for the right time.
Many people were looking for Jesus in Jerusalem. Recognizing the increasing angst against him, they wondered if he would come to Jerusalem at all. But at least they were seeking him.
Which brings us to this very important truth: If you seek, you will find. If you ask, there will be an answer. If you knock, the door will be opened.
Seeking the Lord is not a one-time search. It’s persistent. It doesn’t give up easily. He rewards perseverance in prayer.
Consider this analogy: Earthly fathers’ hearts are tainted with selfishness. Like all people, they’ve inherited a disease called sin. Yet no matter how selfish they are, earthly fathers still love to give good gifts to their kids.
If that’s true, (and it most assuredly is), then we can argue from the lesser to the greater: How much more does the heavenly Father want to give good gifts to you, his very own child? He is a good Father who is generous beyond words. He rewards those who diligently seek him.
But you must first seek him with all your heart, soul, mind, and might. And remember: His best gift is his presence, not presents.
Are you seeking him today? The Father will not coerce you to seek him. That’s your choice. He desires it. But he won’t force it to happen.
Sadly, too many people seek mostly after the things of this world— possessions, power, and pleasures. These things don’t last. They are all left here when you die. You enter and leave the world naked. You will never see a U-Haul trailer attached to a hearse.
If you are a believer, when you die, you will take the Father’s presence with you into eternity. That’s what lasts forever. You won’t take one present with you. Today, invest in your relationship with him. That’s the highest priority
Seek first the Father and his kingdom. That’s what lasts forever. When you do, he will supply your every earthly need according to his heavenly riches.
And everything else in this world will grow increasingly dim.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]