SEEKING JESUS FOR DIFFERENT REASONS
The Bible reveals that people have different reason for seeking Jesus. However, the Lord knows the motives and heart of everyone who comes to him (Luke 5:22). And he shares his written Word, giving us some insight into how he “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12)– And how he renders to each person accordingly (Romans 2:6-8.)
REASONS SOME PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE SOUGHT JESUS
Ten lepers in the Bible sought Jesus to be healed; and he healed all of them. But only one came back seeking the Lord, “praising God” and “threw himself at Jesus’ feet.” The Lord said, “has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Jesus can distinguish the different hearts and motives of those who only seek his favor and those would recognize him as Lord and worship him. (Luke 17:11-19).
REASONS MANY PEOPLE MISUSE THE NAME OF JESUS TODAY FOR SELFISH GAIN
Jesus said there are people who “call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say” (Luke 6:46). “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” Matthew 15:8)
The Bible tells us there are many people today who seek to misuse the name of the Lord for gaining things of the world. Yet, “all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:16). Misusing the name of Jesus, these people may seek health seek health, wealth and prosperity. They have “a form of godliness but denying its power” to live according to God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:3-5).
Jesus said such people, “call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say” (Luke 6:46). And “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” Matthew 15:8)
The Lord comments: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? “ (Mark 8:36). But “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
REASONS MANY PEOPLE MISUSE THE NAME OF JESUS TODAY
Jesus said there are people who “call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say” (Luke 6:46). “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” Matthew 15:8)
The Bible tells us there are many people today who seek to misuse the name of the Lord for gaining things of the world. Yet, “all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:16). Misusing the name of Jesus, these people may seek health seek health, wealth and prosperity. They have “a form of godliness but denying its power” to live according to God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:3-5).
Jesus said such people, “call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say” (Luke 6:46). And “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” Matthew 15:8)
The Lord comments: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? “ (Mark 8:36). But “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
EXAMINING OUR REASONS FOR SEEKING THE LORD
The Bible says: “Everyone ought to examine themselves…so that we will not be finally condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11: 28-32): We should examine ourselves by the “inspired” written Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17):
- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13)
- When you seek me with all your heart” then you will find that “I and the Father are one.” (Jeremiah 29:13; John 10:30).
- God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
- God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8)
- Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God…not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2).
- Jesus Christ said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
- Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 3:33).
- Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
For those who love and seek our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all their heart, he has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven where we will receive a crown of righteousness and live with God forever ( 2 Timothy 4:8; John 14:3).
