Those Who Wanted – Part 1
“From all the tribes of Israel, those who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem, where they could offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.”
2 Chronicles 11:16 (NLT)
The phrase “those who wanted” in this passage shows us that following God is a personal decision. They were not forced or coerced; instead, they took the initiative to seek and worship the Lord. In our lives, God gives us the freedom to choose: we can draw near to Him with all our hearts or remain in our spiritual comfort zone. Our relationship with God depends on our genuine desire to follow Him.
Determination
- Following God requires determination. It is not something that happens by accident; it is a daily choice.
- We must be willing to leave behind anything that pulls us away from God and intentionally seek His presence.
Personal Decisions
- Our lives are filled with choices. We can choose to obey God or ignore His calling.
- Every time we hear His voice through the Word or a teaching, we have the option to follow His direction or do the opposite.
The Responsibility of Wanting
- We are the only ones responsible for what we choose to do with our spiritual lives. No one else can do it for us.
- We cannot blame others for our lack of commitment; each person must respond to God personally.
Practical Examples of “Wanting”
- If I want to tithe, I will do it with joy, without feeling offended when this principle is taught.
- If I want to accept Christ and be baptized, I will obey His command with gladness.
- If I want to gather and serve in the church, I will find a way to do it—without excuses.
- Everything in our spiritual life is about wanting. God does not force us, but He gives us the opportunity to choose Him every day.
“From all the tribes of Israel, those who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem, where they could offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.”
2 Chronicles 11:16 (NLT)
Think About It:
- Do you truly want to follow God with all your heart, or do you only seek Him when it is convenient?
- What decisions do you need to make today to draw closer to God?
- What things in your life reveal whether you genuinely “want” to live in obedience to God?