APR 3

Deuteronomy 4:29
Memorise Deuteronomy 4:29
“…thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul”

What does it mean to sincerely seek after God? What must I do in order to demonstrate my yearning for Him? Must I travel to the Holy Land and visit the Biblical sites? Or must I live the ascetic life of a monk and separate myself completely from the world? Must I clock a certain number of hours in prayer and read the Bible through a set number of times before it can be said that I am seeking after God?

Remember that what separates us from the thrice Holy God is our fleshly nature. If we want to find God, we do not have to travel to certain places, nor do we need to don certain clothes or perform certain rites. Instead, Deuteronomy 4:29 tells us that we can always find Him, as long as we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul. Our soul must already be totally justified by the blood of Jesus. Our salvation does not depend on anything else, not in works or status in society. Our heart must also confess that He is absolutely our King and our Lord, there being no other gods before Him. We must confess our sins before our thrice Holy God and come to Him in humility. Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican in Luke 18:9-14. God hears the publican who confesses his sin, not the Pharisee who proudly comes before God looking down on everyone else. Recall that both were praying in the temple: thus during our Lord’s Day worship, it is possible that some march into the sanctuary thinking they thoroughly deserve their place in the pews because of the good works they think that they have done, whilst judging and despising all around them who do not meet their standard of holiness.

Does that mean externals do not matter? Can one dress or behave the way one desires in the Lord’s House? The simple answer is that the externals are often a reflection of our heart. If a person is not saved, then it is entirely possible that his dressing and behaviour does not acknowledge God’s presence in his life. If a person is saved but has backslidden and allowed other gods in his life, then it is not surprising if his dressing is too casual or that he spends time chatting with friends instead of worshipping God.

Thought: What is my attitude during Lord’s Day worship?
Prayer: Lord, be merciful to me a sinner!