Friday, September 13, 2013
The seeking of the Lord
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." - 2 Chronicles 16: 9a
This verse comes in the midst of the story of Asa, a king of Judah. It seems that toward the end of his life, Asa became very self-reliant, even - according to the text - not relying on God to heal an affliction in his feet, but relying solely on his doctors. He of course died soon after. Asa is followed by his son Jehosaphat who, unlike his father, casts his reliance fully on the Lord and as most children do, rebels against the ways of his father and turns to the Lord. Jehosaphat enjoys much prosperity in return.
It's so interesting to me to recognize the history of the Old Testament books, of their oral tradition and of the incredible nature and power of story telling as a means to preserve history for the ages. Any trip to the Old Testament reminds me of these things and in them I find the true nature of our God. I find it Inspired.
And that means finding and understanding the essence of the stories. What does this mean for the people? Why was this particular story so important to hand down? What does this hold for me today?
The Lord seeks out those who set their hearts to him. Those who look elsewhere receive what is there and little else. Asa used his own power to elicit support from the king of Damascus, who after giving him help, took his money and returned to Damascus leaving Asa holding what he wanted with no way to keep it.
Literature is full of stories long and short of people getting what they wanted, but what they wanted turned out to be more than they bargained for. The story of Asa and his son teaches us to rely on the Lord to meet our needs and give us the desires of our hearts. He knows how to give us those in good time and with good purpose. And what's more, he is eager to do so for those who have set their sites on him, who are relying on him to do it. Set your heart on the Lord for he is seeking out those who do.
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." - 2 Chronicles 16: 9a
This verse comes in the midst of the story of Asa, a king of Judah. It seems that toward the end of his life, Asa became very self-reliant, even - according to the text - not relying on God to heal an affliction in his feet, but relying solely on his doctors. He of course died soon after. Asa is followed by his son Jehosaphat who, unlike his father, casts his reliance fully on the Lord and as most children do, rebels against the ways of his father and turns to the Lord. Jehosaphat enjoys much prosperity in return.
It's so interesting to me to recognize the history of the Old Testament books, of their oral tradition and of the incredible nature and power of story telling as a means to preserve history for the ages. Any trip to the Old Testament reminds me of these things and in them I find the true nature of our God. I find it Inspired.
And that means finding and understanding the essence of the stories. What does this mean for the people? Why was this particular story so important to hand down? What does this hold for me today?
The Lord seeks out those who set their hearts to him. Those who look elsewhere receive what is there and little else. Asa used his own power to elicit support from the king of Damascus, who after giving him help, took his money and returned to Damascus leaving Asa holding what he wanted with no way to keep it.
Literature is full of stories long and short of people getting what they wanted, but what they wanted turned out to be more than they bargained for. The story of Asa and his son teaches us to rely on the Lord to meet our needs and give us the desires of our hearts. He knows how to give us those in good time and with good purpose. And what's more, he is eager to do so for those who have set their sites on him, who are relying on him to do it. Set your heart on the Lord for he is seeking out those who do.
