330. 1CH 22:19. ON IMMEDIATELY SEEKING THE LORD

1Ch_22:19. On Immediately Seeking the Lord

"Now, set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God."’971Ch_22:19.

Never was there a man of more devotional feeling than David. It was devotion of the deepest, and the most intense kind As hallowed fire, it burned with ardent constancy on the altar of his soul. In secret, he meditated upon God’s law, and poured out his soul before him. In his family, the fear of God was cultivated; and the worship of God celebrated. His soul panted for the public courts of the Lord’s house. His whole soul was absorbed in the welfare of the tabernacle of God. He had a holy ambition to build a splendid temple for God; but the honor was refused him. See 7. &c. He directs and encourages his son, and urges as a prerequisite, that they should "Now set their heart and soul to seek the Lord." Allow me then to observe, That the first great business of each immortal soul present, is now to seek the Lord.

I. What is included in seeking the Lord our God.

1. Our native ignorance of God is implied.

Now, attend to a few scriptural quotations on the subject. "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God," Psa_14:1. See the pathetic appeal of Jehovah, "Hear, O heavens," &c., Isa_1:2, Isa_1:3. Then observe two passages in the New Testament, Eph_2:12; 1Co_15:34. How truly this applies to the great mass of mankind! What do they know of God? Of his greatness, glory, power, dominion, moral perfections, and as their Creator, Comforter, Redeemer, and Judge? Never read, or reflect, or meditate, or pray. How then can they know God? Consider,

2. What connected with God ought we to seek.

We ought to seek,

(1) A knowledge of his character and will. Here, we have his works. The former addresses the external senses; the [latter, the mind. The essence of God is wrapt in impenetrable mystery; but his nature and perfections are fully revealed. Jesus has especially manifested the Father. "No man hath seen," &c. The celebrated Ryland, when first awakened, said, "I am resolved not to rest till I have found out God; and know whether he loves me, or hates me."

(2) We must seek the forgiving favor of God. His approbation is life. As guilty, we do not possess it. But he wills to be gracious. He stands ready to forgive; he delighteth in mercy, he says, "Come, and let us reason," &c.

(3) We must seek his renovating grace. This, every defiled sinner needs. We must seek the removal of the carnal mind. The heart of stone, &c. Seek the cleansing influence of his Spirit. His own image, &c. He, only, can make all things new, &c.

(4) We must seek his constant approbation and blessing. Enoch had this testimony before his translation, that he pleased God We must acknowledge him in all our ways. Set him always before us. Then, we must seek his blessing upon all we are, and all we do. Morning, noon, and evening, said the Psa. ist, "I will cry unto thee." Nothing is wisely done but what he directs. Nothing efficiently done but what he sanctions. Necessary in prosperity, adversity, temptation, &c.

II. The Directions given concerning seeking the Lord.

It is to be done,

1. With the heart and soul.

Bring the soul to engage in it. Not half-hearted, &c. Not only with the mental, but with the affections of the soul. One would produce formality; the other fanaticism. Both united, genuine religion. Bring the understanding to it. The judgment, the will, the affections, the conscience, and the memory. It is to be done,

2. With decision and resolution.

Set your heart and soul, &c. Be resolved be fixed, &c. Be vigorous. Why is this necessary?

(1) Our hearts are indisposed. Do not love it. Must be compelled.

(2) Our opposition will be great. Enemies will attack us. Satan resist, &c.

(3) Our sacrifices will be numerous. Cross taken up. All forsaken for Jesus. Sell all to have the pearl of great price.

3. It is to be done immediately.

Now, "set your hearts" &c. Why should it?

1. Because the past is irreparable.

We cannot alter the past. Days and years are gone. Time and opportunities are gone. The list of sins is large. The cloud great and black. We cannot alter it. But it may be all cancelled.

2. Because the present is transient.

It is going while I address you. Life is ebbing out. "Every beating pulse," &c. All things remind us that the fashion of this world passeth away. Brethren, the time is short.

3. Because the future is uncertain.

How foolish to build upon to-morrow, &c. You are not sure of future life; of future reason; of future opportunities; of future desires. There is a spring-time in human life. There is a summer, and a harvest; and these are now yours.

4. Because, now you have every requisite.

Can any situation in future life be better than this? Will God be more able, or more willing? The blood of Christ more efficacious? The gospel more rich, more free? The Spirit more powerful, &c. Let me,

III. Urge you to adopt the Course recommended in the Text.

1. Your connections with him.

He is the Lord, and claims absolute obedience, &c. Your God, the God of your life. The God of all your mercies, who loves you better than you love yourselves.

2. Seeking God is indispensable to solid happiness.

Riches are not. Dignities are not. Learning is not. Even health is not. But without God’s favor, you cannot be truly happy.

3. Seeking is essential to eternal salvation.

I conclude, by reading to you a truly solemn and momentous passage, Pro_1:20-27.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS