Pursue: to run after, chase after, follow in order to catch or attack, overtake.
Most of the time the word pursue is used in the Bible it is referred to in a military setting. The Egyptians pursued the Israelites as they left Egypt. The Israelites pursued their enemies and overtook them because the Lord was on their side.
Have you ever chased after peace with such fervor?
What kinds of things do you pursue? There have been times I have pursued sleep…too much to do, running low on energy and I chased after a few hours of blissful sleep. We often pursue relationships – building friendships or developing a close tie with a family member who has been distant. Some pursue fitness – healthy body, healthy mind; while others pursue a good reputation.
All of these pursuits are good but they should never take first place in our lives.
This morning I looked up the word pursue in my Bible concordance. I found that there are 98 verses in the King James translation with the word pursue in them. Ninety of them make reference to a military-type pursuit.
“Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don’t let it get away (pursue)!” Psalm 34:14 MSG
That leads me to believe that when we pursue righteousness and peace we should do it with a vengeance, as if our very lives depend on it. Which they do. Many people have health related problems because of stress – the lack of peace.
“ But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast (pursue) in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:11-12 MSG
When we run hard and fast after peace, when we seize it, peace will become the guardian or the sentry who keeps watch over what our minds focus on.
“ Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV
Many people go out for a morning jog or run. May I encourage you to get your run into today – run after, pursue and overtake peace. Your day will be so much better!