What reward are you seeking? Instead of looking for an answer, why not look for Jesus?

In the many years of talking with others, this is something that often comes up. I hear believers speak of miracles, signs, and wonders. I listen to believers express their longing for peace and joy in their lives. I even had someone recently tell me, “if we do things the right way, we get the rewards” speaking specifically of personal prayer time, Bible reading, faithfulness to the gathering of believers, and the like. However, in the same conversation the individual disclosed to me that it had not worked like they had hoped. It got me to thinking.

These all may be accurate and certainly worth longing for. But, what does the Word say? What does God say about seeking signs and benefits? What did Jesus say to His followers? Let’s look.

“Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. So, Abram went…” Genesis 12:1 & 4

Genesis 13 – Abram offered the first choice to Lot. Abram did not have his eye on any particular land. Honestly, he did not even know where he was going. All he knew was he was following as God led. To do this, he had to be in pursuit of God. If he had been in pursuit of land, that would have clouded his ability to clearly hear the voice of God. If he had preconceived ideas of where he was going and what it would look like, he would have viewed everything God did through that lens. He would have constantly been asking “is this the land? Is this it?” Or he might have always been questioning “where’s the miracle, God? Why are we struggling to get there?” Etc. Instead, he pursued God. In this way, there could be no worry of mishearing or misunderstanding.

Hebrews 11:10 & 16 – these verses highlight the fact that Abraham had really no idea what he was looking for other than God and His city. This alludes to the idea that Abraham knew he was on a quest of a heavenly city, not an earthly one.

Another example, even though Moses knew God was using him to bring the children of Israel into the promised land, he personally was more interested in seeing God. Exodus 33:15 Moses pleads with God, “if your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here,” and again Moses pleads, “please show me your glory!” (Exodus 33:18 ESV) Moses understood if he didn’t seek God first, no victory, no reward, nothing was worth it without Him! Even though the spies had brought back a report that the land was beautiful and abundant, we do not see Moses begging God for the substance of the land. Instead, we see Moses beg God for His glory and to see Him!

Again, so many of David’s psalms illustrate this concept of searching for God over any reward. That’s not to say David did not request peace, safety, healing, etc. But, when looking deep in the psalms we see how David constantly came back to “you O LORD are my refuge, You are my shelter, You are my hiding place” and the like. David learned to seek to hide in God.

Psalm 3 & 4– David was able to sleep restfully because he knew God was his resting place.

 Psalm 9 – ever wonder how David was able to write so knowingly and intimately about God? “the LORD has made himself known” (v.16) The Lord had made himself known to David because David sought to know Him!

Matthew 11 Jesus asked the people “what” did you go out to see (referring to John the Baptist). Mark 1:7 John identifies Jesus “He who is mightier than I”. The people went looking for signs. Jesus came for those looking for Him. Jesus said to them, “truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”  Jesus is Truth. Jesus is Love. Jesus is Light. Jesus is the Way. Jesus is Life.

There will always be benefits when seeking God. However, it is important to keep in mind our motives. Do we really want to know Him? Or are we just interested in the benefits? Hebrews 8:11, “and they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least to the greatest.

II Timothy 4:8, “henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me but to all who loved His appearing.” The Lord is coming back for those who are looking for HIM, watching for Him, loving His appearing. He is not coming back for those who are focused on signs or tribulation or miracles or benefits.

Do you want to be loved for who you are or what you can do or give people?

Think of it in a more personal way. If married, do you want your spouse to want you and love you because of who you are or are you happy with your spouse wanting you because you make a great meal and feed him/her? If not married, what about a best friend. Do you want your best friend to love you and spend time with you because you always pay for the meal when you go out or do you want them to love you and spend time with you because of who you are?

God is the same way. After all, we were made in His image.

We so often pursue the benefits. For example, we pursue the healing, we pursue the job, we pursue feelings of peace, we pursue feeling justified. How often do we just simply pursue Him?

This has been a personal reminder to me the past couple of weeks. I was looking for some answers, some direction, some insight. Then, in His loving kind way, He reminded me answers will be the supernatural by-product as I pursue Him. So, that’s where I am currently. Going back to basics; in pursuit of Jesus! This is not a new concept. I’m so thankful for His gentleness and patience with me. Clearly, I needed the reminder. I think perhaps someone else does too.

Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Isaiah 65:1 – I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name.

Jeremiah 29:13 – You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

I Corinthians 14:1 – Pursue love.

I Timothy 6:11 – Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

II Timothy 2:22 – Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

Stop looking for an answer, a benefit, or some reward. Start looking for Jesus! He is the only answer!