Monday, 8/19/19 – Pressing on…

Aggressive Pursuit

It was 25 years ago (June 17, 1994) the infamous white Bronco owned and driven by OJ’s friend Al Cowling sped along the Santa Ana Freeway. OJ Simpson hid in the back pointing a gun to his head while California Highway Patrol followed in pursuit. The chase lasted over 2 hours across 60 miles of three LA freeways. Above, seven TV news helicopters delivered the drama to over 95 million on live TV.

Click HERE to see a clip of the chase…

At 7:57 PM Simpson arrive at his home in Brentwood. He was finally taken into custody less than an hour later and subsequently charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman.

While this may not have been the most aggressive pursuit, it must certainly rank among the largest and longest. I couldn’t locate the total number of police cruisers involved in the chase, but 14 appear in the photo above. I’d call that a pretty “aggressive pursuit,” wouldn’t you?

This past Sunday pastor Andrew Violette urged us toward an “aggressive pursuit” of Jesus… to “lay hold” upon Him, like a police constable might “lay hold” on a suspect to arrest him.

In fact, in the Old Testament, this is how the phrase is often used: The parents of a rebellious son would “lay hold” on him and bring him to the elders for punishment (Deut. 21:18-21). Jeroboam sought to “lay hold” on the prophet of God (1 Kings 13:4). Isaiah speaks of young lions which roar and “lay hold” of the prey (Isa. 5:29).

But in the New Testament we read such entreaties as “Lay hold” on eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12, 19), and “lay hold” of the hope God has promised us. We need to “lay hold” of Jesus and He will “lay hold” of us. James writes,

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (Jas. 4:8 – NLT).

Hold tightly to Him. Let His Spirit flow through you. Surrender to say and do things that may surprise you.

More tomorrow…