Sunday, March 21, 2010

Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8

Jesus turns from the problems of judging others to a consideration of what we need in order to be able to judge at all – an intimate relationship with the One whom we have the privilege to call “Father.” Jesus has taught us about the importance of prayer.[1] Now He hammers home the urgency. If we are to have any understanding of the nature of mercy, if we are to judge with anything approaching the compassion of Christ, then we must have a mature relationship with God.

It has been pointed out that there is a certain progression in the imperatives in verse seven. We may “ask” as a child who wishes some favor from his mother; we may “seek” her out in order to press our case; we may “knock” at her door in order to gain entry to her inner chamber. Whether or not this is the case, there is certainly urgency in Jesus’ words. He does not want us to remain ignorant and unanswered. We should not have to struggle on alone, judging only on the basis of our limited experience, relying on our wits. If only we will ask, the full resources of God will become available to us. We will discern more effectively because the Holy Spirit will dwell within us. We will have, available to us, wisdom and knowledge from on high. We will, at the same time, be more discerning and more compassionate, because we are more attuned to the grace that has saved us.

The promise contained within these words is all-encompassing, even though we should know that God often gives us what we need, not necessarily what we think we need. This means that God is not going to ignore us. He is not going to deceive us by giving us a stone when we ask for bread. We may ask in confidence, knowing that He hears us, and that He loves us. Our God is always ready to respond.

Father God,
I know that I have not always asked in line with Your will.
I have been self-centered in prayer, as in so many other aspects of my life.
I have treated You like an indulgent uncle, instead of as my heavenly Father.
Yet, even in my foolishness, I seek You.
As I seek You, so may I find You.
Amen.

[1] Matthew 6:5f