Seeking God makes all the difference

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

Plot twist! We know there is failure and darkness to come because Chronicles was written for God’s people returning from exile. In the previous chapters, we also saw that damage could be racked up pretty quickly by turning away from God, forgetting his provision of everything and obsessing over self-protection instead. Israel divided into two nations, the smaller one including Jerusalem and the temple now named Judah, and God let his people work this out. He was always there for them. Would they be faithful to him?

I love Asa’s example as a leader who was faithful to God in practice. This meant that he sought and obeyed God. His obedience was seen in things he did like removing the objects associated with the worship of false gods, even though these were popular with the people who wanted the fertility or good fortune promised by those cultures. Instead, Asa led his people to rely on God, even when there were huge challenges and battles to fight.

But what is standing out to me is the seeking which Asa had to do before knowing how to obey. Leaders are often assumed to know what to do. It’s important that they do! Have you ever followed someone with a map who keeps changing their mind about which way to go? It’s frustrating when a leader U-turns or doesn’t give people confidence that they are heading the right way.

I think it takes exceptional courage for a leader to be humble and acknowledge that they are led by a greater power. We don’t see that in all of our leaders today. I find it hard myself to admit when I don’t know something. But I love how God answered Asa’s prayers of seeking and reliance with not just answers but practical help. I also love the prophetic promise: “The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you…”

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God does so much more than watch us from a distance, waiting to judge, as some imagine. God’s presence and help has been promised for a long time, and not just in one special place. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the world,” said the seer Hanani, “to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

God gives us a choice about whether and when to do this. But since Jesus dealt with the consequences of our turning away from God, and his Spirit lives in us, we have, as Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…” In other words, we live under a new covenant through Jesus where God has adopted us as family. Stories about rebellious kings being rejected by God should warn us about frustration and fruitlessness which can follow not seeking God, but God lives in us, ready to strengthen when we ask.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Remember that God knows more than I do, even about stuff I like to feel I’m good at and can do on my own. I will stop to ask God and seek his guidance more over coming weeks.

Who am I going to share this with?

People who look to me for answers! Sometimes I have them. Sometimes we need to seek.