In writing to the Romans, Paul explained that all mankind is in need. Whether Gentile or Jew, no person can stand justified before God without the saving blood of Jesus Christ. He quoted Old Testament passages that painted a dreary picture of man’s state: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.” (Romans 3:10-11)
Paul then shares the Good News of the Lord’s righteousness that rescues us: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness…” (Romans 3:21-25)
Even to those who worshiped other gods, Paul explained that God desires all to seek Him. God is near! In Athens, Paul proclaimed: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else… God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us…” (Acts 17:24-27)
Jeremy Riddle and Steffany Gretzinger sing a song with these lines:
“The more I seek You, the more I find You
the more I find You, the more I love You…”
The Father looks down upon a world in rebellion, yet His desire is to save. “Seek Me, all who are lost and confused. Seek Me and I will let you find My Son – He is the Way to Me!”
The Father looks down upon His sons and daughters who seem so occupied with lesser things. “Dear children, seek Me and I will reveal My heart. Do not pursue what does not matter. Draw close to Me and I will draw close to you. And as you come to know Me, you will love Me with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.”
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
“The third time He said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ He said, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’” John 21:17
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33