PODCAST

Seek First

October 28th, 2025

Deuteronomy 4:21-31.       

Moses shared some bleak news with the Israelites: Because of them he would not enter the promised land and God would scatter them again if they sought any other god than Him. The Israelites had been through a lot—slavery, attempts to leave Egypt, the miraculous exodus, the amazing parting of the Red Sea, disobedient idol-making, years in the desert. Now, they stood on the cusp of the place God had promised them: a land of their own, free from slavery.

Yet, God reminded them of the priorities they should take with them as they moved into their new home: Place God first and foremost in their lives. No other gods should come before God (they did receive those commandments, after all). To make sure they remembered, God was clear about the consequences of “making an idol”: They would be scattered, losing their people and land.

There is a way forward, though. If the future generations chose to follow idols, and they were scattered, there was still hope: “If you seek the Lord with all your heart, you will find Him” (emphasis added). If you seek God with everything you are and have, you will find God. Placing God first in your life will keep God there.

What is first in your life?

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson