Leflore Baptist Association

                                         Chasing after God

Have you ever noticed in life it seems we are always chasing something? When we are young, we chase balls and butterflies. As we grow a little older, we chase after love, careers, and happiness. At this point in life, I’m chasing after senior discounts and a good night’s sleep. Whatever I’m chasing these days, I’m sure a lot slower chasing it! Life seems to be one big, long game of “chase”.

In April, our area will be filled with people chasing something a bit unusual…darkness. As the solar eclipse passes over our area on April 8, an estimated 250,000 folks will travel long distances at great expense to catch a short glimpse of darkness. I know the main reason they are coming is because of the novelty of the thing, and also because the next one won’t happen until August 2044. Some of us may be thinking this will be our last chance to see such a celestial phenomenon.

As we prepare to accommodate our soon-to-be guests, I can’t help but think about the masses who are chasing a darkness unrelated to the eclipse. Every day and all around us, there are people who are attracted to and chasing after darkness rather than light. Satan’s desire is to keep us distracted by chasing the darkness, so we won’t see how good it is to walk in the light. In John 8:12, Jesus tells a crowd gathered for a festival, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Jesus invited all those around to walk in the light, His light. Rather than a three-minute glimpse of an astronomical experience, Jesus offered a life-changing encounter and a home in the heavenlies. He continues to extend that invitation to you and to me, and that seems something worth chasing after.

Grateful for the Light,

Bentley Hill