God’s search party

We hear stories on the news a lot about people or children going missing in the bush or out in the ocean. When the authorities get word that someone is lost, they call out a search party. Those individuals could be police, water police, fire and rescue, helicopter pilots or the SES ( which is a volunteer search party). They generally find the last location of the one who is lost and start from there. Sometimes, the search takes hours or sometimes even days but they don’t give up hope of finding them while there is still a possibility the person is alive. Once they are found, there is much rejoicing by them, their family and the rescuers!

Did you know that God has His own search party? Well yes you might say – He is looking for lost souls – ones that don’t know Jesus. That’s true but after we come to know Jesus, there is still a search going on. Let’s find more about it in Isaiah 66: 2 b. It states in the Holy Bible, New English translation: But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My Word.

God is searching for three things in the Christian’s life – one who is humble, contrite in spirit and trembles at God’s Word. Let’s look at these three individually.

1. One who is humble – having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance. This word doesn’t mean walked over or trampled upon. It means that we know that God is greater than us and His Word is truth and needs to be obeyed. The Bible verse that comes to mind when reading that definition is Love God and love others. If we put God and others before ourselves, then we will be acting in humility. If we are, then God is searching for us. If you find it hard to love others, just ask yourself a question – who’s more important if God created both of us in His image and His likeness. Only God and our willingness to be searched for.

2. One who is contrite in spirit – contrite means feeling or expressing remorse in the recognition that one has done wrong. The Bible verse that comes to mind is that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God is searching for those with a repentant heart – who know they’ve done wrong and are willing to confess it to God and not hide it. God will forgive any sin – there are no big or little ones in His eyes. Just do it! God is searching for those that do.

3. Tremble at God’s Word – tremble means a reverential awe that sets us on edge. Do you tremble at God’s Word or do you just read it? God is searching for a people that will obey His Word no matter the cost. To be in a place of reverential awe that we are fearful of not obeying it. Obeying God’s Word is always for our good. God knows the right way to live to have the abundant life we all desire. That comes from trembling at His Word so that it causes us to obey it. God is searching for that person.

God has a search party out and He is looking for those that fit all three criteria. If you don’t, get before God and repent. This is a step by step journey we are all taking. As long as we are on the right road, God is looking. What’s God going to do when He finds us – give us an amazing abundant life full of blessings and joy and faith and complete trust in Him. Sounds good, doesn’t it. Well let’s go on the journey together and keep living the life God intended for us all!