Todays readings.. 1 Samuel 11&12, Isaiah 55, Revelation 19&20

            Seeking the LORD is an act of faith.  When it is clearly seen that Jesus has returned the whole situation will change for human beings.  Our chapters in the book of Revelation describe, symbolically, all the causes of godlessness. We are told sin is “bound …for a thousand years” [20 v.3]  and “those who had not worshiped the beast (the symbol of atheism) came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. [v.4]

            This is a vision of the kingdom to be established when Jesus returns.  It is not just a New Testament vision, our chapter 55 in Isaiah today has a wonderful appeal for all those seeking the reason for their existence, all such they know in their hearts there must be a Creator, all the wonders that are around us could not have come into being by accident!   

            In verses 6 and 7 of our Isaiah chapter there is this ‘heart-searching’ appeal! “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. ”

            Some will ask – how do I seek?  In Hebrews 11 v.6 we are challengingly told, “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”  Believing in the existence of God is an act of faith!  We must recognise that we have just two options!  There is either a God, a Creator – or there isn’t! 

            We stress again, to believe (!?) that all that exists is the outcome of an enormous series of utterly remarkable accidents is impossible for the really thinking mind to accept!  Those who do believe this – are really worshipping “the beast”!  What or who are you worshipping?