What other biblical instances emphasize the importance of seeking God's presence first? Solomon Begins at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:3) “Solomon and the whole assembly with him went to the high place… for the tent of meeting with God was there.” The very first recorded act of Solomon’s reign is to gather the nation to the place where God’s presence was manifested. Wisdom, power, and prosperity all flow from that priority. Scripture repeats this theme in countless stories: Moses: Refusing to Move Without God (Exodus 33:12-16) • Moses pleads, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” (v. 15) • God answers, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (v. 14) • Israel’s journey pauses until the cloud of glory lifts—illustrating that direction comes only after communion. Joshua: Meeting the Commander of the LORD’s Army (Joshua 5:13-15) • On the eve of Jericho, Joshua seeks solitude; God meets him with a drawn sword. • He removes his sandals—holy ground precedes battlefield ground. • Victory follows worship, not strategy. David: Bringing the Ark Home (2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 15-16) • David’s passion is, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?” (1 Chron 13:12). • He halts the first attempt when irreverence strikes Uzzah; seeking rightly matters. • When the ark finally enters Jerusalem, David dances before the LORD, establishing praise before government. Jehoshaphat: National Crisis Turned Prayer Meeting (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) • Surrounded by enemy armies, the king “resolved to seek the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast.” (v. 3) • All Judah stands before God with wives and children—leadership and laity united. • God answers, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” (v. 15) Peace comes before swords are drawn. Hezekiah: Opening the Temple Doors First (2 Chronicles 29) • On day one of his reign, Hezekiah restores entrance to the house of God. • Priests sanctify themselves; worship resumes; national reform follows. • Verse 36 summarizes, “The work had been accomplished quickly because it came from God.” Ezra: A Heart Set to Seek (Ezra 7:9-10) • “Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach…” (v. 10) • His mission to rebuild community identity starts with personal devotion. • The good hand of God rests on those whose hearts lean toward Him first. Jesus: The Perfect Pattern (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; John 5:19) • “Very early … He went out to a solitary place, and there He prayed.” (Mark 1:35) • Crowds wait, yet He seeks the Father before ministry. • He explains, “The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees the Father doing.” (John 5:19) Mary of Bethany: Choosing the Better Portion (Luke 10:38-42) • Martha serves; Mary sits. • Jesus affirms: “Only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion.” • Service is good, but presence is better—and it will not be taken away. Early Church: Waiting Before Working (Acts 1–2) • Jesus commands, “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” • Ten days of prayer precede one day of harvest—three thousand souls saved. • Pentecost shows that spiritual power comes to a people willing to wait. Foundational Promise for Every Believer • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) • “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Key Observations to Carry Forward • Seeking precedes strategy—every time. • God’s presence is not supplemental; it is central. • When leaders prioritize communion, communities flourish. • Waiting on God is never wasted time; it is invested time. • The same invitation stands today: come near, and watch Him act on your behalf. |
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