New York Yankees outfielder, Aaron Judge, just finished up one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of baseball. He had a strong all-around season with a batting average of .311, 131 RBI, and an OPS of 1.111. But the most memorable number is the 62 home runs he hit, which is the American League’s single-season record. He passed Roger Maris who hit 61 home runs in 1961. Judge’s record-breaking season brought a lot of excitement to the sport as fans kept tuning in to see if he was going to make it to 62. Over the last month, with the record in sight, Judge found himself chasing history, on pace with Roger Maris, and seeking to be in the presence of the all-time greats. As Judge pursued 62 home runs, he was able to overcome the pressure, the distractions, and the doubts. As he chased after history, fans took notice, media members were drawn to what he was doing, and his teammates supported him on this special journey. While seeking the record, Judge made adjustments to his swing along the way, and he remained focused, confident, and at peace. Aaron Judge chasing after a home run record and attaining it brings to mind a great parallel to us seeking God. If we’re serious about knowing God personally, following His ways, and chasing after Him more than anything, we'll find ourselves in His presence and attaining a deep relationship with Him. He says in Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP), “Then you will seek Me and require Me , and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Psalm 119:2 (AMP) tells us, “Blessed and favored by God are those who keep His testimonies, And who seek Him and long for Him with all their heart.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV) encourages us to “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” As we pursue God, we'll be able to overcome the pressure, the distractions, and the doubts of life. If we chase after Him, people will take notice, others will be drawn to what God is doing in us and through us, and we’ll have teammates supporting us throughout the journey. While we seek Jesus, He’ll help us make adjustments to “our swing” along the way, remain focused on what matters, be confident, and be at peace. So are we remaining on pace with Jesus and seeking to be with Him now and for eternity? Each of us must consider what we’re really chasing after in life...what we’re pursuing...and if we’re seeking God with all of our hearts. Today, as we think about the way Aaron Judge went after the home run record, let’s be encouraged to have a heart after God and desire Him in a way that David does as he writes Psalm 63:1 (AMP) while in the wilderness: “O God, You are my God; with deepest longing, I will seek You; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for chasing the wrong things. I desire to seek You with all of my heart and pursue You above all else. I want to be in Your presence, know You deeply, and follow You closely. O God, You are my God and I thank You for allowing me to find You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What things have you chased after in life?
2. How does your life or would your life look differently when seeking God with all of your heart each day?
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