Pursue – I heard this word used in a sermon today. Later, I asked Siri for a definition, and she gave me two: following someone or something in order to catch them, and someone who continues or proceeds along a path or route. The second definition carries special significance for anyone who has run competitively. “Pursue” is the type of word that can fuel a manuscript.
The speaker highlighted some stories found in the Bible of individuals who pursued Jesus in spite of the obstacles they faced. “If I could just meet Jesus, then…”
One example highlighted the relentless pursuit of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:24-34). She was an outcast, shunned by everyone. The woman refused to be boxed in by her circumstances or give up hope. She fought through the crowd and touched Jesus’ robe. According to Jesus, it was her faith that healed her.
For the blind man, a refusal to be silenced by the crowd for repeatedly shouting out the name of Jesus, got him noticed (Mark 10:46-52). He didn’t let the crowd ridiculing him prevent him from pursuing Jesus. His relentless pursuit was rewarded by being healed.
The world is full of people pursuing something or someone. Will they be disappointed once they find it? Those who relentlessly pursue Jesus will not be disappointed. What is faith but the relentless pursuit of a man named Jesus.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life…” John 14:6
I’m guilty of not washing my car as often as I should. Maybe it’s because I regard vehicles as transportation and not a stylish reflection of who I am. In the northeastern United States we use salt on the roads in the winter. So, after ten to twelve years of ownership, my cars invariably show signs of rust. At this point it’s a little late in the game to be putting more effort into washing my car.
Once the issue of Achan’s thievery is dealt with, God turns from his fierce anger and promises victory over Ai. He instructs Joshua to take the whole army into battle, which included setting up an ambush.
Scraps 