Such as Set Their Hearts to Seek the Lord God
To execute a great purpose in life, we must set our hearts to the task and overcome territorial distinctions and opposition with our common faith in Christ.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts to seek the Lord God, as demonstrated by the tribes of Israel who, despite territorial divisions and opposition from their king, journeyed to Jerusalem to worship. This act symbolizes the unity of the Church of Christ, transcending barriers of nationality and social status, as believers come together in prayer and communion. Meyer encourages us to prioritize our spiritual pursuits over worldly challenges, asserting that a determined heart can overcome any opposition in our quest for God.
Text
Such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God
of Israel came to Jerusalem. 2 Chron. xi. 16.
ALL the tribes were represented in those great convocations around the Temple and Ark of God. The territory of the northern tribes was now under Jeroboam; the gulf between the two kingdoms was marked and distinct. Everything was done by the son of Nebat to make it difficult for his people to cross the frontier; but their spiritual affinities prevailed. They were stronger than the antipathy which Rehoboam's haughty behaviour had excited; stronger than the fear of incurring odium with their own king; stronger than the inconvenience of the long journey. In spite of everything, those whose hearts were set on seeking the Lord God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord God of their fathers.
Does not this foreshadow the unity of the Church of Christ? Territorial distinctions, the risk of incur‑ring disfavour, the necessity of making a sacrifice ‑‑ these things are as nothing compared with the attraction of our common Lord. Amid wide disunion and disparity of every kind, there is one mighty bond which draws believers of every nation, kindred, tribe, and people together. Each morning we all ascend the steps of the same temple of prayer; each evening we join in one great hymn of praise; at each Lord's Supper we sit at the same table. Eating of one Bread, we know that we are one Loaf; drinking of one Cup, we profess our indebtedness to the same precious Blood for our hope and ground of acceptance (1 Cor. x. 17, R.V., marg.).
We must set our hearts, if we desire to execute any great purpose in our life: otherwise we shall be daunted and checkmated by the strong opposition of men and things.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Unity of the Church of Christ
- A. Territorial distinctions are overcome by a common Lord
- B. The attraction of our common Lord is stronger than fear or inconvenience
- C. Believers of every nation are drawn together by their faith
- II. The Importance of Setting Our Hearts
- A. We must set our hearts to execute any great purpose in our life
- B. Without a set heart, we will be daunted by opposition
- III. The Power of Prayer and Praise
- A. We all ascend the steps of the same temple of prayer
- B. We join in one great hymn of praise and sit at the same table
- C. Eating of one Bread and drinking of one Cup, we are one in Christ
Key Quotes
“Territorial distinctions, the risk of incurring disfavour, the necessity of making a sacrifice - these things are as nothing compared with the attraction of our common Lord.” — F.B. Meyer
“Eating of one Bread, we know that we are one Loaf; drinking of one Cup, we profess our indebtedness to the same precious Blood for our hope and ground of acceptance (1 Cor. x. 17, R.V., marg.).” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We must set our hearts to execute any great purpose in our life, and not let opposition or fear hold us back.
- Our common faith in Christ is what draws us together as believers, regardless of our differences.
- Prayer and praise are essential to our unity in Christ and our ability to overcome opposition.