The eyes of the Father

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The eyes of the Father

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

2 Chronicles 15:2-7

 2 Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

 3 For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law.

 4 But in their distress, they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.

 7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.

Throughout the millennia, individuals, families, groups, kingdoms, and states have sought alliances for their mutual benefit. Successful alliances require planning, wise decision-making, and sincere collaboration. There are five common strategies for success: a shared goal or vision, wise investment of resources, clear expectations and execution, total trust, adaptability over time to changing conditions.

A major difference between a strategic partnership with the Father and all others is that only we benefit. The Father intelligently designed humanity to find ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction by aligning with Him and trusting Him fully. The Father seeks alliances with children of the King. He seeks seekers.

The Scriptures contain informative stories, words of wisdom, prophecy, history, and doctrine. The Word of God is a guidebook, a set of instructions on how to live wisely in a dark and fallen world. We could spend our whole lives studying the Father’s Word and barely scratch the surface.

1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

Romans 15:4 For everything was written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

King Asa of Judah, a great-grandson of Solomon, is an example of one who allied himself with the Father and benefited greatly. At the beginning of his reign, his heart was right with the Father and he did well (2 Chronicles 14:2).He then withdrew from his alliance with the Father and instead formed an alliance with Syria for mutual protection. For a time, Ben-hadad proved to be an effective short-term ally. But the relationship was fragile and self-destructed. It turned out to be a huge mistake. Asa’s story is a living lesson for all children of the King. It provides wonderful takeaways.

The Father is a seeker. He searches the earth, watching, observing. He is ready to help those who choose to trust Him. Every child of the King can have confidence that as we seek God, he will strengthen us. He will give us the necessary power and ability to carry out whatever responsibilities He has for us.

2 Chronicles 15:2 The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.

The Father is utterly and completely committed to each child of the King. He involves Himself in every detail of our lives. It is with great, heartfelt love that He cares for us. The Father desires to strengthen and support each of us.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father watches and waits for us. He seeks seekers. His support is permanent. He is not there for us only in times of need.

Father, it is so easy to be lax in our commitment and devotion to You. Even when I know the truth, I behaved like a fool. Father please encourage me to meditate in your Word and stay fully allied with You.

INSIGHT

2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

The Father delivers all those that seek Him, find Him, and commit to Him. However, to enjoy fully what the Father promises, we must continually be fully committed to Him. If we choose not to be, is great promises are out of our reach.

That was exactly how and King Asa failed to do. He was not consistent. He lapsed. He acted the fool and did what was right in his own eyes. He was confronted and pronounced a fool. He suffered the consequences. Instead of peace and safety, the rest of his reign would be marked by discontent and war.

Rather than remaining faithful to the Father, the unseen eternal God of heaven, Asa limited his vision to what he could see. He chose to rely upon a human king.

1 Chronicles 28:9 Learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.

“The contrast between seeking and forsaking is strong. They are two modes of life. One yearns for God and is devoted to him with a whole heart and delighted soul . . .. This expresses the integrity of a person’s life. A dedicated life finds peace and joy in serving God. The other, however, yearns for something or someone else. It forsakes God to serve other gods. Solomon is given this fundamental choice—the choice we all have—of seeking or forsaking God” (John Mark Hicks).

Choose wisely!

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