The Right Pursuit

July 28th, 2025

Finding Clarity, Discipleship, and Jesus...

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments where we must choose between religious adherence and the true spirit of God's love. This choice defines our pursuit - are we chasing after rules and regulations, or are we seeking a genuine relationship with our Creator?

The story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath beautifully illustrates this dilemma. As He and His disciples walked through grain fields, they plucked heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees, ever watchful, immediately accused them of breaking Sabbath law. But Jesus, in His wisdom, reminded them of David eating the consecrated bread when he was hungry. This simple act challenged the very core of their religious understanding.

Jesus declared, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." With these words, He redefined the purpose of God's commands. The Sabbath, like all of God's laws, was made for man's benefit, not as a burden. It's a profound reminder that God's heart is for our wellbeing, not our bondage.

This incident raises a crucial question for us today: Are we pursuing God on His terms or ours? It's been said that "religion is man's way to God, but relationship is God's way to man." How often do we find ourselves trapped in religious routines, feeling exhausted and disconnected from the very God we're trying to serve?

The Proverbs warn us: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This sobering truth should cause us to pause and examine our hearts. Are we, like the Pharisees, so caught up in the letter of the law that we miss its spirit?

Jesus further demonstrated God's heart by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. When questioned about the lawfulness of this act, He posed a powerful question: "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?" His actions revealed that love and compassion always fulfill the law.

This healing wasn't just a physical miracle; it was a lesson in faith and obedience. When Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand, the very act of obedience brought healing. How often do we limit God's work in our lives because we fail to "stretch out our hand" in faith?

The story reminds us that Jesus' commands are His enablements. When He calls us to action, He provides the power to obey. Whether it's in matters of health, finances, relationships, or any area where we feel stuck, the key is to reach out to Jesus in faith.

But how do we cultivate such faith? The answer lies in seeking Jesus wholeheartedly. The multitudes in the Gospel account sought to touch Jesus, knowing that power flowed from Him. Like the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of His garment, our faith can move the heart of God.

Jesus Himself modeled the importance of seeking God's will through prayer. Before selecting His twelve apostles, He spent an entire night in prayer. This act of devotion challenges us to examine our own prayer lives. When was the last time we spent extended time in prayer, especially before making significant decisions?

The apostles Jesus chose were ordinary men who became extraordinary through their obedience and willingness to follow Him. They left everything to pursue Jesus, eventually giving their lives for the Gospel. Their example calls us to consider: What are we willing to leave behind to follow Jesus more closely?

As we reflect on these stories and teachings, we're confronted with the reality of our own pursuit. Are we seeking clarity in our understanding of God's will? Are we committed to true discipleship, learning and following the ways of Jesus? And most importantly, are we actively seeking Jesus Himself?

The right pursuit always leads us closer to Jesus. It's not about religious performance or adhering to a set of rules. It's about a heart that longs for God, ears that listen for His voice, and hands that reach out to touch Him in faith.

Let's challenge ourselves to examine our motives and actions:

Are we pursuing God for who He is, or for what we can get from Him?
Do we prioritize spending time in prayer and God's Word?
Are we willing to obey God's commands, even when it's difficult or doesn't make sense to us?
Do we show compassion and love to others, even if it means breaking from religious traditions?
Are we actively seeking to touch Jesus through faith, believing He can bring breakthrough in our lives?

Remember, Jesus came down to our level to lift us up to His. He stands ready to heal, restore, and empower us. But we must reach out to Him. As James 4:8 encourages us, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

Let's commit to pursuing Jesus with all our hearts. Let's stretch out our hands in faith, believing that He is able and willing to work in our lives. And let's remember that the ultimate goal of our pursuit is not just blessings or answers to prayer, but a deep, intimate relationship with the God who loves us beyond measure.

In this pursuit, we'll find that Jesus is not just Lord of the Sabbath, but Lord of every aspect of our lives.