Isaiah 55:6-7 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
ABSTRACT
In an era of spiritual lethargy, this article delves into the imperative to seek the Lord earnestly, drawing from biblical narratives such as John the Baptist’s ministry, the Israelites’ experiences at Bethel, and Jacob’s return to Bethel. It underscores the priority of sincere heart devotion over mere rituals, the necessity of personal reformation by relinquishing idols, and the call to live transformed lives in submission to God’s will. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence shows that genuine seeking involves turning from worldly distractions amid moral decay. Scripture further illustrates this point with Zephaniah 2:3: Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger. Hosea 10:12: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ellen G. White explains, “The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,—just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents,—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were granted on any condition short of this, then the happiness of the whole universe would be imperiled. The way would be open for sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to be immortalized” (Steps to Christ, p. 62, 1892). She adds, “It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. ‘Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.’ ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.’ Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness” (Steps to Christ, p. 18, 1892). Therefore, the pursuit of heart-centered reformation leads to divine restoration and peace. But what lessons can we draw from historical worship sites like Bethel to deepen our understanding of authentic seeking?
JOHN’S JORDAN JOURNEY!
In times of moral decay and spiritual apathy, the call to “seek the Lord” resonates as powerfully today as it did in the days of John the Baptist. About 2,000 years ago, John stood as a reformer by the Jordan River, preaching truth amid a society enamored with luxury and dulled to sin (The Desire of Ages, pp. 100–101, 1898). Ellen G. White describes how “sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical diseases and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 100–101, 1898). Despite facing imprisonment and death for his pointed words, John remained steadfast in urging the people to seek God (Matthew 11:7–9). We are not here today for elaborate appearances or grand cathedrals, but to heed the same call found in Isaiah 55:6–7: to seek the Lord while He may be found. As Amos 5:4 implores, we seek the Lord so that we may live. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence reveals that steadfast preaching amid adversity calls for personal renewal. Scripture further illustrates this point with Jeremiah 29:13: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Psalm 14:2: The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. Sr. White states, “The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). She further notes, “You feel that sin has separated you from God, that you are in bondage to the power of evil. The more you struggle to escape, the more you realize your helplessness. Your motives are impure; your heart is unclean. You see that your life has been filled with selfishness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be set free” (Steps to Christ, p. 49, 1892). Therefore, let us gather with the purpose of understanding how to earnestly seek Him.
To truly embark on this journey, we must also examine the nature of our prayers, embracing a faith that reflects perfect submission to God’s will (The Upward Look, p. 375, 1982). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence emphasizes that prayer rooted in submission fosters spiritual vitality. Scripture further illustrates this point with James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Romans 12:1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Sr. White explains, “The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911). She adds, “God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view” (Steps to Christ, p. 46, 1892). But how does the story of Bethel reveal the pitfalls of ritualistic worship?
Isaiah 1:11-17 “The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals… Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me… Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
BETHEL’S BOLD REBUKE!
Throughout biblical history, Bethel was considered a significant place of worship where the Israelites believed that their prayers were more effective. This belief stemmed from the experience of their forefather Jacob, who encountered God at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-16). However, the Israelites mistakenly thought that visiting Bethel alone could earn God’s favor, overlooking the importance of a sincere, personal relationship with Him. The prophet Amos rebuked their reliance on rituals and sacrifices, declaring that God despised their feasts and offerings due to their disobedience (Amos 5:21-22). Instead of rituals, God desires a humble and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). The Israelites failed to understand that their sin separated them from God, as Isaiah 59:2 points out, and their lack of genuine repentance made their worship meaningless. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence highlights that rituals without heart obedience fail to please God. Scripture further illustrates this point with 1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Sr. White warns, “God calls for sincere heart-worship. The door to light and an intelligent knowledge of the truth is open to every sincere worker for God” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, p. 369, 1990). She emphasizes, “The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God” (The Great Controversy, p. 472, 1911). While sacred places and traditions hold significance, they cannot replace a heart fully surrendered to God.
The Israelites’ attachment to Bethel highlights a crucial lesson for us today: worship cannot substitute for a heart in tune with God. Just as the Israelites brought sacrifices and offerings to Bethel, believing that their actions would be enough, we may sometimes fall into the trap of relying on outward religious practices without examining the state of our hearts. Ellen G. White warns that “the commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God” (The Great Controversy, p. 472, 1911). This separation from God occurred because the Israelites failed to recognize the sinfulness of sin. They could not grasp that God desired a complete surrender and transformation of the heart rather than mere external acts of worship. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence demonstrates that unrepentant sin hinders true communion. Scripture further illustrates this point with Proverbs 15:8: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Sr. White states, “To bridge the gulf that sin had made, which separated man from God because of transgression, Christ must die as man’s substitute and surety. God bows His head in token of His acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice” (The Signs of the Times, May 30, 1895). She adds, “True worship consists in working together with Christ. Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently tied on; but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for the needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and grow naturally upon a good tree” (Review and Herald, August 16, 1881). While sacred places and traditions hold significance, they cannot replace a heart fully surrendered to God.
The experience at Bethel teaches us that a historical connection to a sacred place or tradition is not enough to please God. The Israelites held Bethel in high regard because of Jacob’s encounter with God there, but their own actions at Bethel were filled with rebellion and disobedience. Amos 7:10-13 reveals how they rejected God’s messenger, showing that they lacked the same spirit of devotion and submission that their forefathers had. Ellen G. White emphasizes that, while God may reveal new truths for each generation, these revelations will never contradict past truths (That I May Know Him, p. 197, 1964). The Israelites clung to their traditions without seeking to understand how God was calling them to reform their hearts in the present. Their rejection of God’s messengers, as seen in 2 Chronicles 36:16, ultimately led to their downfall and captivity. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence shows that rejecting divine guidance leads to ruin. Scripture further illustrates this point with Proverbs 1:24-25: Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. Jeremiah 35:17: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered. Sr. White notes, “There are mines of truth yet to be discovered by the earnest seeker. Christ represented the truth as treasure hid in a field. It does not lie right upon the surface; we must dig for it” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 704, 1889). She further explains, “New light will ever be revealed on the word of God to him who is in living connection with the Sun of Righteousness. Let no one come to the conclusion that there is no more truth to be revealed” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 34, 1925). While sacred places and traditions hold significance, they cannot replace a heart fully surrendered to God.
Similarly, the Puritans sought to follow God’s revealed truth, but they also remained open to receiving further light. In The Great Controversy, Sr. White describes how John Robinson, in his farewell address to the Pilgrims, urged them to “receive whatever light and truth shall be made known to you from His written word” (pp. 291-292, 1911). He recognized the danger of becoming stagnant in spiritual understanding, a lesson that is still relevant today. We must remain open to God’s guidance, always seeking to grow in our understanding while being cautious to ensure that new insights align with biblical truths. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence illustrates that openness to divine light fosters growth. Scripture further illustrates this point with Proverbs 4:18: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Psalm 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Sr. White affirms, “We have only the glimmerings of the rays of the light that is yet to come to us. We are not making the most of the light which the Lord has already given us, and thus we fail to receive the increased light; we do not walk in light already shed upon us” (Review and Herald, June 3, 1890). She adds, “We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed” (Review and Herald, July 26, 1892). While sacred places and traditions hold significance, they cannot replace a heart fully surrendered to God.
The Israelites’ misplaced reliance on Bethel as a holy place serves as a reminder that God values sincere devotion and obedience over ritualistic practices. While sacred places and traditions hold significance, they cannot replace a heart fully surrendered to God. Just as the Israelites’ sin separated them from God, we too must guard against the temptation to substitute religious activities for genuine repentance and transformation. As we seek the Lord, let us remain open to His leading, allowing His truth to penetrate our hearts and guide our actions. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence stresses that obedience trumps rituals. Scripture further illustrates this point with Matthew 15:8: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Mark 7:6-7: He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Sr. White declares, “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). She further notes, “The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may be Christians. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy” (Steps to Christ, p. 37, 1892). But how does Jacob’s return to Bethel exemplify the path to spiritual renewal?
Song of Solomon 2:10 “My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
JACOB’S JOYFUL RETURN!
After Jacob’s remarkable encounter with God at Bethel, the Lord instructed him to return to this sacred place once again (Genesis 35:1). This command followed a disastrous experience with the Shechemites, where Jacob’s family had entangled themselves with the world, resulting in fear for their lives (Genesis 34:30). The Lord’s directive to return to Bethel was not merely a call to visit a physical location but a call for spiritual reformation. As they prepared to return, Jacob and his household recognized the need to put away their idols, cleanse themselves, and change their garments, signifying the need for personal purification before coming into God’s presence (Genesis 35:2-3). This reformation was essential for them to experience true worship and protection. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence indicates that reformation precedes divine encounter. Scripture further illustrates this point with Joshua 24:14: Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. Ezekiel 18:31: Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Sr. White emphasizes, “The Lord calls for a reformation among the people, but it should begin with the ministry. They should be coworkers with Christ, partakers, not of the husband’s sins, but of the divine nature, that they may escape the corruption that is in the world through lust” (Review and Herald, March 22, 1887). She adds, “The Lord has a work for every one of us to do. We all have an influence, and that influence should be wholly on the Lord’s side” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 594, 1889). The reformation within Jacob’s family brought divine protection and peace, a reminder that turning to God brings security and deliverance.
The command for Jacob’s family to discard their idols underscores the need for self-examination and reformation in our own lives. Even those who are committed to God may still hold onto “idols”—things that take priority over God. Jacob’s household, though followers of the true God, had fallen into idolatry, which they needed to abandon before meeting with God at Bethel. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of self-denial, including in dress, as part of our Christian duty. She writes, “To dress plainly and abstain from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind is in keeping with our faith” (Child Guidance, p. 423, 1954). This outward reformation symbolized an inward change, demonstrating their willingness to let go of worldly attachments and to seek God wholeheartedly. Their preparation to meet God was not only physical but deeply spiritual, requiring a full surrender of their hearts and lives. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence shows that idols must be forsaken for true communion. Scripture further illustrates this point with 1 Corinthians 10:14: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 2 Corinthians 6:17: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. Sr. White writes, “The Lord requires us to obey the voice of duty, when there are other voices all around us urging us to pursue an opposite course. We must resist and conquer inclination, and obey the voice of conscience without parleying or compromise, lest its promptings cease and will and impulse control” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 69, 1882). She further states, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, p. 57, 1903). The reformation within Jacob’s family brought divine protection and peace, a reminder that turning to God brings security and deliverance.
The process of reformation that Jacob’s family underwent is a timeless lesson for all of us. Jacob, a godly man, must have taught his family about the true God, yet they still strayed into worldly ways. They found themselves fearful of both the world and God. This fear of the world is a natural result of living in opposition to God’s will, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When Jacob’s family recognized that their only safety was in God, they responded by surrendering their idols and turning back to Him (Genesis 35:4). As they made this commitment, God protected them, and His terror fell upon the surrounding nations, preventing them from harming Jacob’s household (Genesis 35:5). The reformation within Jacob’s family brought divine protection and peace, a reminder that turning to God brings security and deliverance. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence proves that surrender invites God’s safeguarding. Scripture further illustrates this point with Psalm 34:7: The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Proverbs 18:10: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Sr. White observes, “The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. There are, indeed, consecrated ones among us. Angels will walk on either side of them—nay, the everlasting arms will be about them, to shield them” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 475, 1889). She adds, “We are never alone. Whether we choose Him or not, we have a companion. We are never in a place where we are unseen by human eyes. Angels of God are our companions” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 490, 1905). The reformation within Jacob’s family brought divine protection and peace, a reminder that turning to God brings security and deliverance.
Jacob’s return to Bethel teaches us that genuine worship requires more than simply going through the motions or visiting a sacred place. Just as Jacob’s family had to undergo reformation before meeting God, we too must put away the idols in our hearts and lives. Ellen G. White notes that the early Christians were “a peculiar people,” whose character and unswerving faith were a reproof to the world (The Great Controversy, p. 46, 1911). As Christians today, we are called to live distinct lives, reflecting the character of Christ and seeking Him with all our hearts. As we seek the Lord, let us be diligent in reforming our lives and fully surrendering to Him, for it is in this surrender that we find peace and safety. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence confirms that reformation yields distinct living. Scripture further illustrates this point with Titus 2:14: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 1 Peter 2:9: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Sr. White declares, “The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner’s peace” (The Great Controversy, p. 46, 1911). She further notes, “Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazing-stock by dressing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble independence and moral courage to be right, if all the world differ from them” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 458, 1865).
Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV): And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.
SELF-REFLECTION
How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths about seeking the Lord, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?
How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?
What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?
In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK 