Over the weekend I had an opportunity to hear a message that caused me to self examine, and that examination is still going on as I write this post. However, I have a few points that are worth sharing.
My initial answer to the above question was easy and very believer like. As a person who loves, and is called into relationship with Jesus, I pursue Him daily. I stand by this statement, but I know my pursuit will continually bring more revelation, which I welcome. The revelation that I seek will come as I examine my heart motivation for pursuing Jesus in the first place.
As I examine this motivation, I have asked myself a personal question. Do I chase after Jesus because I need something, and so it's natural to go to the best Source that I know, or is it just an innate response to His pursuit of me? Upon reflection I would say that it is both.
I need much from Jesus, but mostly I just need Him. I need His love, His guidance, His protection, His companionship, and that is the short list.
I believe that the Scripture in 1 John 4:19 that states, 'We love because He first loved us,' demonstrates a perfect example of pursuit. When God says He stands at the door and knocks, He is pursuing us. When we open the door to Jesus and relationship, we are now pursuing Him.
True intimacy is when we thirst for God, and nothing can quench that thirst, except more of God. This then becomes my prayer.
Lord, give me a true, honest, transparent thirst for You!
Revelation 3:20 NKJ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Psalm 42:1-2 ESV As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.