What is Pursuit?

It's complicated. 
And it's really quite elementary. 

Simply put, it's the chase of a deeper relationship with Jesus. 

And on a more complex level, the pursuit is the role of the people of God to engage the heart of the Father.  What exactly does that mean?  Worship. 

But lest you think I mean worship in terms of our common understanding - what we've decided it means - please know that I'm writing of something much deeper than that. 

Pursuit is knowing there is more to God than what we've understood.  I'm reminded of the hymn by Fredrick Lehman, that states -

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky

Fathomless.  Overwhelming. 
The pursuit is a passionate desire to know more, engage more.  It's an understanding that Creator, Sovereign, King of the universe, passionately desires an intimate relationship with His creation - me - you - us.  I don't understand it sometimes.  We being so faulty, so ... human, have the claims on the heart of a King.  And not just any king.  I wonder why.  He doesn't need me to be complete.  He is not arrogant, and therefore demanding worship for His own ego.  Were he conceited, haughty and proud He would not have humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. 

The pursuit is a manifesto.  It is an announcing that those pursuing have declared that there is nothing this world could offer that would take the place of the pleasure in finding Jesus.  And then finding Him again.  And again.  And again. 

The pursuit is Him standing at the door, knocking and us hearing the voice of our Friend, opening the door, and dining together. 

The pursuit is an exploration.  I once heard it referred to as a mansion in which countless people enter through the door of salvation and then stand with their backs plastered tightly against the door, just inside.  They are content to be thankful for that door.  All the while the mansion is waiting to be explored.  There are doors to be opened... rooms to be found... treasures of the Kingdom of Heaven waiting for the adventurer who will seek them.... those who will pursue. 

It is a journey...  One that will end when we see Him.  And as long as I'm here on earth, I will engage in the pursuit. 

Because I want the prize?  I suppose that depends on what you think the prize is.  It is a truth universally understood that blessings follow obedience, but I can honestly say that I'm not pursuing the blessings associated with a relationship with Jesus.  My disclaimer - I am OVERWHELMINGLY thankful when those blessings manifest in my life here on earth.  God knows my heart - He knows I'm being honest.  And sometimes I await them.  But they are not my pursuit. 

I do not pursue the stage though I am a 'worship leader.'  I'm not after my own glory.  I do not pursue money, though I would enjoy living financially blessed.  I think it enables and empowers us to do things we are otherwise limited in. 

I DO pursue the engagement of relationship with Jesus with every time I sit down to a piano.  At my home, or in the sanctuary - I strive to connect.   I pursue a better understanding of His heart and purpose.  I pursue Jesus - the wonderful, awesome person of Jesus.  I don't always do it well, and in my life I have known seasons when he was less than my first priority... thinking back on those places makes my heart so sad. 

The truth is, I am pursuing.  I'm on my journey.  I'm running the race.  And the most ultimate prize I can possibly imagine is the pleasure of the Lord.  I have no more words......