Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19 

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” John 1:45

Two themes are in today’s verses. One of seeking the Lord, and the other of finding Him. The verse in Chronicles comes from the time when Solomon is building the temple and David is encouraging the people to offer their support. They are to bring items and assist in getting the temple built. Then there will be a place for the Ark of the Covenant and other holy items used in worship. This is to glorify and worship God, not just make a wonderful temple that can be admired. They are to seek God as they do this – with their minds and their hearts.

Philip lived in a time when people lived under Roman rule, and had hope and were seeking the coming Messiah. In the verses ahead of v. 45 Andrew, a follower of John the Baptist, hears about Jesus then in turn tells his brother Simon. Jesus calls Simon, changes his name to Peter. Then, traveling on, Jesus calls Philip who finds Nathaniel to share this very good news with him. Nathaniel is skeptical but when approaching Jesus is also called to follow. Person after person, one hearing and then sharing the story and Good News about Jesus.

God is already there with us, present in our world, having sent His son Jesus and then the Holy Spirit to be with us. We do not so much have to seek, and find, but recognize this presence among us. As we seek and then find, we in our turn can share the Good News with others. That’s how it has worked for over 2000 years.

Creator of the universe, “seek” and “find” seem strange words to describe our desire for you. You are always here; wherever we are, there you are. Open our hearts to see this truth when we feel lost, abandoned, or forlorn. To find you, we have only to open the eyes of our hearts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party