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“When you search for Me, you will find Me; if you seek Me
with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Part One
Fear has always been a contributing factor to the reasons why so many among the world’s small percentage of agnostics have not yet found what they are seeking. They instinctively respond with fear – to what they do not understand and know they cannot control. However, unknown to them, their loving Creator has already removed any need for such appreciation.
Thoughtfully consider His position, “For I know the plans I have for you”—says the Lord—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
God’s limitless presence is too profound and magnificently revealed to ever go unnoticed or be ignored. The anxiety of those who have not yet found Him is not the result of fearing what they have heard about Him. Instead, they fear the accountability and power associated with His existence! They are uncomfortable with the daunting aspect of – eternity having purpose, planning, and most of all, future consequences. To discover that God actually is and that He has always been – is to admit that He, rather than they, are at the center of the universe!
Part Two
God alone understands the eternal meaning and purpose for His universe. The profound truth that, “In the beginning God created…” (Genesis 1:1) exasperates the minds of some who do not yet know Him. Others feel that He should not need to be sought. We must always remember God’s deep abhorrence of our human pride. The Scriptures explain that pride precedes, “…a fall…” and that – “God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all sin…” (Proverbs 16:18; Romans 1:18). The absence of acknowledging God, who has already fully revealed Himself, becomes – the denial of obvious truth!
Expressed theologically, “I AM WHO I AM…” who spoke directly to Moses (Exodus 3:14) provided our early growing understanding of His identity. Much later, through His self-disclosure as the Messiah, the Trinity’s mystery was finally observable. This took place at Jesus’ baptism (see Mark 1:9-11). For 33½ years God allowed us to actually – see Him – as He was and is!
The Lord Jesus’ authority over nature openly displayed His ownership of all that He has created (See Colossians 1:15-18). Seeking Him became normal for thousands and then countless millions. They all found Him when they whole heartedly sought Him!
Part Three
Consider the profound depth of Paul’s declaration about our Creator, “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made…” (Romans 1:20) You may have sometimes wondered, “Why will man’s spiritual ignorance be judged as sin when an agnostic or an atheist dies? Why will he or she be found ‘…without excuse?’” (Romans 1:20) The Bible explains that it will be because they were informed about God while living, yet they “… did not glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning…” (Romans 1:21)
Imagine for a minute that you were God. Next, imagine that having created the universe, including mankind, you provided fully – understandable guidelines for man to live by. Now, consider that you also came to show them how to live. Would you not want them to understand who you are and be – grateful? If you even sacrificially died in agonizing pain – to pay for their sins, would you not expect them to truly love you? This reality is the essence of Christianity!
Part Four
Experiencing God’s love – provides life’s greatly needed peace, joy, and wisdom! Mankind’s many doubts, myths, and fears about Him are suddenly dispelled in the light of receiving His self-revelation! To miss Him, when you are personally being sought by Him, simply means that you are not yet searching in the right place. Since He told us exactly where to look, and even young children find Him – what is so obvious to countless millions cannot be thought of as difficult!
Something missed that is widely understood and timelessly revealed largely comes from facts that have either not yet been heard or personally comprehended. The alternative to successfully seeking and finding God is trusting in a long list of idols. The Bible describes this unhealthy condition in terms of misguided thinking. Consider this regrettable description, “Claiming to be wise, they became foolish.” (Romans 1:22)
Said simply, everything is forever changed by personally finding, knowing, and serving God. The key to success in that pursuit is truly seeking Him “…with all your heart.” Then you will understand John 3:16, “For 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.” Most importantly you will comprehend what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
By Billie Hanks Jr.
