Seek The Lord In Truth

Tuesday of the 5th week of Lent

Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 101(102):2-3,16-21
John 8:21-30

Today’s Gospel passage is dynamic and rich with transformative lessons that are truly essential for each one of us. It’s so profound that it feels like an endless deep, akin to the Psalmist’s declaration: “Your thoughts are very deep.” (Psalm 92:5.) Yet, nestled within the opening verses are clear, unmistakable truths that we must grasp wholeheartedly and plant firmly in our hearts. One significant revelation is the sobering reality that it is indeed possible to seek Christ in vain. Our Lord explicitly tells the skeptical Jews, “You shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins.” This means that there will come a day when these individuals might earnestly seek Him, only to find it fruitless.

What a heartbreaking thought! The sorrow of knowing that such a loving Savior like Jesus—so eager to save—can be sought “in vain” is tough to bear. Yet this is the truth! A person can harbor numerous religious feelings and sentiments about Christ without experiencing the life-changing power of genuine faith. Consider this: moments of illness, sudden hardship, the fear of death, or the loss of comfort can trigger powerful religious responses in people. Under pressure, someone might pray passionately, showcase strong spiritual emotions, and claim to “seek Christ,” momentarily feeling transformed. But without a true heart change, they can easily slip back into old habits once the crisis passes, effectively seeking Christ “in vain”, motivated by fleeting emotions rather than genuine desire.

Sadly, that’s not the whole story. There exists a dangerous pattern of resisting God’s light and truth. Both Scripture and personal experiences show that people can reject God until He, in turn, rejects them. They may suppress their own convictions, extinguish the gentle prompting of their conscience, and rebel against their innate understanding, until God chooses to let them follow their misguided path. There’s a striking warning: “Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me—for they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:28, 29.) While such situations may not be widespread, they do happen. Some believers have encountered individuals on their deathbeds seemingly seeking Christ, yet doing so without true faith.

The only safe path is to earnestly seek Christ while He is available, reaching out to Him with sincerity and a true heart; this authentic seeking is never in vain! It will never be said of those who truly seek Him that they “died in their sins.” Remember this profound promise: “He that comes to Christ shall never be cast out.” God delights in mercy and has no joy in the death of the wicked. (Ezekiel 18:32; Micah 7:18.)

Moreover, we discover the stark contrast between Christ and those who remain ungodly. Our Lord declares to the skeptical Jews, “You are from beneath; I am from above—you are of this world; I am not of this world.” These words are ultimately about Jesus Himself—He alone can say, “I am from above; I am not of this world.” Yet, there is a broader application for all of Christ’s followers. Compared to the oblivious crowd around them, true believers are “from above” and “not of this world,” just like their Savior. The ungodly are preoccupied with earthly matters; meanwhile, a true Christian’s heart is set on heavenly aspirations. Although they live in the world, they don’t belong to it; their real citizenship lies in heaven, with greater treasures yet to come.

Let’s not forget this vital distinction! For anyone who values their soul and desires to serve God, there will be times when they feel disconnected from those around them—a gap that cannot be bridged. Embracing this difference may mean facing ridicule and harsh words, the very same fate that Jesus warned His followers about.

“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19.) Therefore, let the Christian stand boldly and proudly display their faith! Bearing the cross is part of the journey toward the crown. If you have a new principle “from above” within, let it shine brightly!

Finally, we must confront a harrowing truth—the disastrous fate that unbelief can lead to. Our Lord firmly states, “If you believe not that I am He, you shall die in your sins.” Let’s affirm one of the cornerstones of our faith: there is indeed a hell. This truth compels us to reflect on the urgency of belief and the profound significance of truly seeking Christ!

Fr Joseph Osho