PURSUE

When you hear the word, pursue, there might be several thoughts that come to your mind. A police car in a high pursuit chase might be one example. Possibly a student pursuing a degree or even a recent graduate pursuing a job. The question comes to mind, what are we in pursuit of in our own lives?

In the Old Testament book of Hosea we read, “Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning.” Hosea 6:3. Where do we truly pursue our knowledge from in life? I am all for higher education and making the most of our opportunities, but could it be that sometimes we slack up in our pursuit of the knowledge of the Lord?  The greatest way obviously to find His knowledge is in His Word!  It is also a great comparison that His knowledge is a sure-fire thing as we say in the south.  The knowledge of the world is ever changing while the knowledge of God is forever fixed.  His Word is the final word.

But this passage is also a reference to repentance. As Dr. David Jeremiah would point out, “The prophet Hosea is calling on the future generation to heal, revive and raise up…”  We often forget that repentance is not just a turning away from something, but a 180 degree turn to something completely opposite. It is in essence a pursuit of God that is a sign of true repentance. Hosea gives the future generation something to pursue in place of that which had led them astray.

In the New Testament we find the apostle Paul encouraging his young disciple Timothy in his walk with God. Paul gives Timothy a picture of what it means to repent in II Timothy. “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22. I find it fascinating that Paul didn’t elaborate on all of the potential lusts to flee from but instead focused on things to pursue.

This week ask yourself, what are the things that I am pursuing in my life? As the prophet Hosea and the apostle Paul reminds us, the pursuit matters!