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Devotional 4.17.26

 


April 17, 2026 – What Are You Seeking?

Ephesians 1:4-5 – Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him – In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

Scripture Reading – John 1:29-50

What are you seeking? A typical worldly response has often been “wealth, health, and happiness.” In recent years, “to become an influencer” might also make the short list. 

 

It’s interesting that this is the question Jesus asks two of John the Baptist’s disciples (v. 38). He doesn’t ask “Who are you seeking?” They seem to be pretty clear on who the “who” is – Lamb of God, Son of God, Rabbi, Messiah/Christ, him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote of, Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph, King of Israel. Knowing who they were seeking, and encountering him, the disciples of John answered “Where are you staying?” What a curious response to the question, “What are you seeking?” Could it be that they knew they wanted to dwell with him?

 

The disciples, albeit imperfect, knew Torah. They knew the Law and prophets and the promise that the Messiah would come to redeem Israel, allowing God’s people to be reconciled back to himself. Paul too was a devout Jew, a Pharisee even. He wrote words of hope to the people of Ephesus, and one of the best answers to the question “what are you seeking?” – to be holy and blameless before him; to be adopted as sons for eternity. We can find what we are seeking through whom we are seeking.

 

Our worship songs on Sunday morning will echo this promise of reconciliation through Jesus. “All Creatures” is a proclamation that all creation will be reconciled to and through Christ (Colossians 1:20). In “Lord I Need You” we’ll sing the truth that Jesus is our one defense and righteousness. In “Holy Again and Again,” we will sing of the earth and sky and sea, all who’ve been redeemed will join the ancient song of heaven. In “My Jesus I Love Thee” we will sing of our love for him and the joyful promise that we will be dwelling in mansions of glory with him for eternity.

 

Further reading: Psalm 27:8; 1 Chronicles 16:8-13; Matthew 6:33

 

Reflection Questions:

1.     What are you seeking?

2.     Where on the spectrum between worldly desires and eternal desires does your answer fall?

 

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize who you are and to never lose sight that you are my Savior and redeemer. Increase my desire to seek you continually, to seek your presence above all else. Thank you for the hope that I have in you that I am considered holy and blameless before you, and that I will dwell with you for all eternity as your adopted offspring. Amen.


You can listen to the morning playlist here.


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