How does 1 Chronicles 22:19 connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God? Setting Our Hearts to Seek the LORD 1 Chronicles 22:19: “Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God. Begin building the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the house that will be built for the Name of the LORD.” Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” A Unified Call in Two Testaments • David’s charge to Israel’s leaders (1 Chronicles 22:19) and Jesus’ command to His disciples (Matthew 6:33) share the same priority: wholehearted pursuit of God before anything else. • Both verses assume the reliability and sufficiency of God’s promises; blessings flow when the covenant people choose single-minded devotion. • The Old Testament scene focuses on building a physical temple; the New Testament expands the vision to God’s kingdom rule over every sphere of life (Luke 17:21). Key Parallels • Direction: “Set your heart and soul” and “seek first” each establish seeking as an intentional, decisive act rather than a casual interest. • Object: The LORD (1 Chronicles) and “the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew) point to the same Person and purpose—God’s presence and rule. • Outcome: Provision follows pursuit. In Chronicles, God’s dwelling among His people becomes a reality. In Matthew, “all these things” (daily needs in vv. 25-32) are graciously supplied. Biblical Reinforcement • Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • Psalm 27:4 — David’s single desire to dwell in the house of the LORD parallels Christ’s call to undivided focus. • Hebrews 11:6 — “He rewards those who diligently seek Him,” echoing both passages. • Colossians 3:1-2 — Setting hearts and minds “on things above” frames daily priorities. Practical Expression Today • Time: Guard the firstfruits of each day for Scripture and prayer before engaging lesser tasks. • Resources: Budget, calendar, and abilities reveal what is truly “first.” Align them with kingdom purposes, as David aligned Israel’s wealth for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:14-16). • Obedience: Act on revealed truth. The leaders were told to “begin building”; believers now pursue righteousness that displays Christ’s character (Romans 14:17). • Confidence: Trust God to meet material needs while investing energy in His agenda, reflecting the promise of Matthew 6:33. Encouraging Results of Putting God First • Clear direction as His Word lights the path (Psalm 119:105). • Peace that drives away anxiety over “what shall we eat… wear” (Matthew 6:31-32; Philippians 4:6-7). • Fruitful labor that endures beyond this life (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Unhindered fellowship with God, the greatest reward (Psalm 16:11). Summary David and Jesus speak with one voice: make God’s person, presence, and purposes your overriding pursuit. When hearts are set to seek Him, He supplies every need and fashions lives into living sanctuaries that display His glory. |
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