The Seeking Trifecta

Marine Captain Ray Smith, while serving as a military advisor to 250 Vietnamese Marines, was attacked by an overwhelming Viet Cong force while defending a hilltop outpost. The assault was so savage, and the weather was so bad (preventing close air support) that Smith had to lead the remaining 28 Vietnamese Marines to the safety of friendly lines. Because he was carrying a radio, Smith courageously threw himself backward on top of their own booby-trap-infested wire barrier so 28 Marines could move over the crushed wire, stepping on his prostrate body to safety. Despite severe cuts and bruises, Smith successfully fought and led those under his care to safety, winning him a Navy Cross.[1]

Smith put others’ lives before his own. He served his nation during a time when most Americans protested against an unpopular war.  General Gary Luck, whom I had the privilege of briefly serving as aide-de-camp, said of Ray Smith, “if I could only pick one man to be by my side in a firefight . . . without a doubt, that would be Ray Smith.”[2] Major General Smith retired after 34 years of exemplary service.  Read his life story in the Boys of ’67.
 
Meditation
Zephaniah 2:3--Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the Lord’s anger.
 
Pursuing service to one’s nation is an honorable profession. Yet, there is a far greater pursuit with eternal ramifications. The prophet Zephaniah presents the ultimate seeking trifecta. First, and most importantly, seek the LORD. Jesus taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:33). “Search for the LORD and for His strength; seek His face always” (Psalm 105:4). Seeking God is the ultimate formula for success: joy, honor, and eternal life in His presence.

Second, seek righteousness. Moses wrote, “Righteousness will be ours if we are careful to follow every one of these commands before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us” (Deuteronomy 6:25). King Solomon said, “Genuine righteousness leads to life, but pursuing evil leads to death” (Proverbs 11:19). Jesus taught, “Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled” (Mat. 5:6).

Third, seek humility. Seeking God is the goal. Seeking righteousness is the path. Seeking humility is the attitude that forms our character and allows us to persevere and succeed. “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom” (Pro. 11:2). “The result of humility is fear of the Lord, along with wealth, honor, and life” (Pro. 22:4). Monica Baldwin observed, “What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God.”

What are you seeking?  Something to think about . . . in reveration.
 
Inspiration
“But if you will take the trouble to seek God in your own heart, and if you sincerely forsake yours sins so that you may draw near to Him, you shall infallibly find Him.”—Jeanne Guyon in Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ

©2024 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)

[1] Jones, C. (2006). Boys of ’67: From Vietnam to Iraq, the extraordinary story of a few good men.  Stackpole Books.
[2] Ibid, p. v.