THE WORD 4 ev 1

Read Matthew 7 (click here for a link)

In the middle the reading this morning, Jesus gives us assurance concerning our prayers. “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.” This seems easy enough, yet why is it that we always stop at the first step—with the “asking”?

What about “seeking” and “knocking”? How often do we ask and ask and ask, and when we don’t receive, we give up? Prayer is not a static one way conversation. In fact, Jesus goes on to compare it to the relationship between a father and son. Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? But God has more to say to us than simply “Yes,” “No,” or “Not yet.” He does not simply spoil us by giving us everything we want. Rather he seeks to shape us into his children through His own son, Jesus. This means dying to who we have been and living as new people—as sons and daughters of God.

However, living as a child of God is no easy task. For though the reality is that God has adopted me and claimed me absolutely in Jesus, how comfortable am I with that claim? How often do I live my life expecting bread, but everything I give and do for others is stones? I may pray for a blessed marriage, but I avoid my spouse by busying myself with work. I may pray for godly children, but I have no patience for teaching them how to behave. I may pray for the money to buy something new, but I have yet to pay for the things I already own. I may be asking like a good child, but am I living that way?

Don’t too quickly assume that it simply must not be the will of God for you have that for which you ask. Perhaps God’s not giving to you immediately is his way of saying, “Seek.” In other words, if God has not given you what you have asked for, then find out the reason why. Don’t just give up. Ask yourself: Am I right with my husband? Have I been reconciled to my wife? Have I been a good parent? Am I living as a good steward of my money?

Get out there! “Seek” and “knock.” Find the answer. God has much to teach his children. He will show you the way.

Have a great day.
Pastor Aaron