Matthew 7:9-10 (NLT)
We are still on the mountain with Jesus and it isn’t a bad place to be at all. Jesus is teaching about prayer. This section of his message starts with His encouragement to be persistent in prayer. Jesus says: “Keep on asking… Keep on seeking… Keep on knocking. In my experience, when He says keep asking, he means keep asking, because it may be a while before you receive – I waited around seventeen years for my dream car. Depending on what you are seeking you may find it sooner rather than later. If you knock on His door, He will open it.
This week’s passage comes after His encouragement to persist in your prayer and He asks these questions concerning how parents respond when their children ask for something or about something. Questions to make us think about how we respond when something is asked of us, whether it is for something concrete – like bread, or a toy, or you fill in the blank, or something less so - like advice, or your time, or faith.
Jesus basically says, of course you are going to give your child some bread, or fish, or that cookie they’ve been wanting. Why? Because even though you’re all sinners you still know how to give good gifts to the people you love. Then he closes this section with the best bit and it is the bit we need to remember “…how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11).
So what are you praying for? Peace, healing, justice, a new car, a new job, a spouse, a child, a fragile relationship. What are you seeking after? Jesus, a stronger faith, less worry, a transformed life. What door are you knocking on? I hope it is Jesus’ because He loves inviting people into His life.
Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – be persistent, keep asking, keep seeking, and be sure to knock on Jesus’ door.
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