The Lord God promises that he who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, righteousness, and honor. Pursue means to follow in an effort to capture like a fox is pursued by hounds and a beautiful lady is often pursued by many suitors. The one who obtains the prize has put all of themself in the pursuit. They did not give up, lose hope, nor did their will diminish.
If I am to be characterized as a man who pursues righteousness and love what would that mean? Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34) So when I pursue righteousness and love I and not concerned with finding life, prosperity, and honor. As backward as that sounds it is true. My eyes should be fixed on the prize which is love and righteousness, not the results of the pursuit. Life, prosperity, and honor are the result, not the goal.
David was a man who was after God’s own heart. Is that the same? God is love and righteousness is part of his character. So in pursuing God’s heart, David was pursuing love and righteousness. When I pursue righteousness and love I am to practice them today and every day. God promises me, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
