biblicalpath (@biblicalpath)

Seek God and Never Forsake Him King Asa knew what to do when an enemy came up against Judah. He placed his trust in the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 14:11). When he cried out to God, God delivered them. After this great victory, God sent His prophet to them with a message. “1. And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2. And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:1-2). Azariah, the son of Oded, reminded God's people of something they should have already known. Something of which King Solomon had been warned long ago. “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). * Know means “to perceive, to understand, acquire knowledge, know.” * Perfect means “complete; whole; perfect.” * Heart means “the totality of man's inner or immaterial nature... These are the deepest, innermost feelings.” * Willing means “taking pleasure in.” * Mind means “the inner person; … The most interesting meaning of the word … is it means 'one who has died,' with the emphasis on the personal identity of an individual while alive.” These words give us a clear understanding of what God expects. * First, they were to know God: more than just a general knowledge of God, but to take time and learn about Him, to actually know Him. Today, we know God because of Jesus. Remember: “6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him” (John 14:6-7). Not only is Jesus they way to the Father, when we know Jesus, we know God. Jesus also taught us that we are to learn of Him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). * Next, they were to serve Him with a perfect heart: with one's whole being. Paul gave us the example of Jesus. “21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23). When we know Christ, we follow in His steps. * One must also have a willing mind: this is one who takes pleasure in the things of God, completely giving up oneself to focus upon the things of God. Remember what the New Testament teaches: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Christians allow Christ to live through them. See also Romans 12:1-2. * They were also to recognize that God knew the intentions of their hearts and their very thoughts. They could not pretend with God – for He knows all. One cannot be a hypocrite before God. In the New Testament, God still knows the heart. “And... read more at: http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/2026/08/23/seek-god-and-never-forsake-him/