The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.1 Why must this search for men who understand and seek after God alarm the LORD? Are there none who do? What brings about understanding? Does seeking God precede understanding? Where may we seek God?
They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.2 All, LORD? Not even one? Since perfection is God’s standard, indeed no one measures up. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment [in its original context, like a menstrual cloth;3 gross!!]. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.4
Is there any hope for man? Praise the LORD for his holiness!5 Thus, he is trustworthy and unchanging. He is love.6 And loves his creation unconditionally. He instructs his people and sets how we may live. He leaves us the commandment—statutes and rules, and has commanded that we teach them.7 Knowledge of his Word is crucial. Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?8 Knowledge prompts obedience and brings understanding.
Why do we tend towards learning anything and everything but adverse to study the bible–that points us to righteous living? Consider, how much time do we allot for entertainment or other activities? Is it for fear of finding out that we have been living a lie? Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? . . .9 (although the contention was the resurrection, the truth is that ignorance weighs heavy on all other issues).
Yet, God continues to woo us towards him. He promises, I love those who love me and those who seek me diligently find me. . . . granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.10 God lines up the way to understanding: Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.11 The scribe asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”12
If you haven’t done so, please accept the challenge—study at least a chapter a day; e.g., you may start with the shortest Gospel, the book of Mark. If you do, you would have finished a book in 16 days.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.13 Be like the wise man who built his house on rock and not on sand.14
Notes:
1. Psalm 14:2
2. Psalm 14:3
3. Also other translations--Isaiah 64:6 CED
4. Isaiah 64:6
5. Leviticus 20:26
6. 1 John 4:8-9
7. Deuteronomy 6:1-9
8. Psalm 14:4
9. Mark 12:24
10. Proverbs 8:17, 21
11. Matthew 6:31-33
12. Mark 12:28-31
13. Romans 12:1-2
14. Matthew 7:24-27
