How does 2 Chronicles 14:4 connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God first? Looking at King Asa’s Charge 2 Chronicles 14:4: “He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey His laws and commands.” – Asa makes “seek the LORD” the nation’s top priority. – The call is collective and comprehensive: hearts turn toward God, lives line up with His statutes. – The verse assumes God is knowable, responsive, and ready to bless obedience. Hearing the Same Priority from Jesus Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” – Jesus repeats the command to “seek,” anchoring it at the front of every agenda. – “Kingdom … and His righteousness” narrows the focus to God’s rule and God’s character. – Provision for life’s necessities flows from putting God in first place. Parallel Themes – Same verb, same order: seek God first, then watch Him supply. – Both passages link pursuit of God with obedience (2 Chronicles 14:4 – “obey His laws”; Matthew 6:33 – “His righteousness”). – Blessing follows the quest: Asa’s Judah enjoys peace (2 Chronicles 14:5–7); Jesus promises provision. – The command is timeless—Old Covenant monarchy to New Covenant discipleship. Supporting Scriptures – Deuteronomy 4:29: “You will seek the LORD your God and you will find Him when you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” – Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Proverbs 3:5–6: trust and acknowledge Him, and He “will make your paths straight.” – Psalm 34:10: “Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” – Hebrews 11:6: “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Timeless Principle – God first, everything else second. – Seeking implies active pursuit: prayer, Word, obedience, repentance. – When God is central, peace, direction, and provision follow. Putting It into Practice Today – Begin decisions, schedules, and resources with God’s priorities in view. – Filter ambitions through “His righteousness,” asking what best reflects His character. – Expect God to handle needs while you stay focused on His kingdom agenda. |