Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7 KJV
It is always important to determine who the audience of any particular message is, so you can determine how it applies to you and what you need to do or stop doing. The extract for today is taken from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus took his disciples up on a mountain, sat them down and laid out the principles of the kingdom of God to them. There was a large crowd at the foot of the mountain, as was common wherever Jesus went, but he did not address these words to them. These words were for those who have followed Jesus up the mountain and are ready and willing to listen to and obey him. It is not for people who are content to get lost in the midst of a crowd. Which one am I: a disciple ready and willing to go up the mountain or part of the crowd, content to listen from afar and then pick and choose that which is convenient for me?
If I have made up my mind to climb up the mountain, listen to God and then be committed to obeying Him, then the words of today's extract will make sense. There is an expected action from every human being alive on earth, as we all have needs that have to be met, but the guarantees are only for those who are disciples. Don't forget: Jesus was speaking here to disciples up on the mountain with him. They would have heard him speak, and they would have known his heart. What they would be asking for will be completely different from those who are at the foot of the mountain. If you have ever listened to anyone who has a burden for Christ to be formed in him, his prayer points will be very different from someone who has just met Christ or who is content being part of the crowd. When I know who I am, whom I serve and follow and what I am called out of and into, my asking, seeking and knocking will reflect different priorities from someone else who does not yet know who he is or where he belongs.
For God, his response and reaction will always match his nature and what is the appropriate answer to the need. Nothing about God who makes these promises can fail. In fact, it is impossible for God to fail because he is not subject to the things that limit natural persons. That is why when I ask, I receive that which I ask for. When I seek, God knows what it is I need and he will provide in line with that which I seek. When I also knock, whatever door needs to be opened for his perfect will to be done, will be opened by God. The responses are God's prerogative; mine is to simply align myself with his will. I may not always get what I think I deserve, but the God whom I have come to know, follow, believe and obey will never fail to supply that which is quite appropriate for the direction he is taking me. There is the confidence, assurance and certainty that run through the verse above. What more could I need? God's time of favour is here.
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