Scripture Lesson: Matthew 7:7-11
7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Meditation
In Matthew chapters 5-7 we find what many theologians have entitled the “Sermon on the Mount”. In these series of teachings, Jesus covers a lot of ground including the beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, new laws, a proper attitude towards money and a host of other things. In chapter 7 we find our promise for today is found.
In this set of promises, we are told the exact nature of the promises in verses 7 & 8. In verses 9 through 11, we are given the logic behind the promises and why we can trust the promises. Today we will deal with the nature of the promises and tomorrow we will deal with the logic behind them.
In this portion of scripture we are encouraged to ask God for what we want. This may seem to be a simple task, but it is not. There are many different teachings on the subject of asking God for things. Some say that you should not ask God of things, especially material things. Others teach that God is like a Santa Clause that you should provide your list to on a regular basis. However, the teaching that Jesus presents here is simple; ask, seek and knock.
We are told that if we ask, it shall be given unto us. To ask is to make our request known to God. This is consistent with Philippians 4:6. Like the old saying goes, many of us have not because we have asked not. We have allowed fear and doubt to keep us from even obeying the command to ask.
We are also told to seek. When we seek something, we are looking for something with the desire of finding it. Just because something is not apparent does not mean that it is not there. However, like a hidden, precious treasure, we must diligently search.
Lastly, we are told to knock. This is the hard one for most of us. The idea of knocking means to engage, to deliver a sharp blow or push. Knocking can be hard work. However, it is in this hard work that the doors will be opened. But once the doors are open, we must make the effort to walk through.
Are there things you desire from God? Perhaps you are looking at physical well being, or financial security or a host of other things. Follow the instructions given in these verses. First, don’t be afraid to ask God for what you want. You think it is too big? I doubt it. Then seek out those things through the Word of God with the expectation of finding it. And finally, when you have arrived at the destination, don’t be afraid to knock. Don’t just tap on the door of your dreams; knock hard. And of course, once the door has been opened, don’t be afraid to enter in.
Affirmations
I will not be afraid to obey the Word of God. I will ask God for what I want. I will seek out opportunities that are in line with my request. I will not be afraid to knock on the door once I find it. I rejoice and I am grateful for the promise that everyone that asks receives; that seeks finds and that doors are open to them that knock. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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