Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, Search, Knock
7 Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? 10 Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
What questions do you have? What is it that you hope to find? What is the door that you want to have opened?More important than the questions, I believe, is the One of whom we are asking, seeking, knocking to permit our entry. God is not simply the great Google in the sky who is there to answer our questions, or the Amazon Prime dispenser of all we desire. God is so much more. God Is the One who desires to be in a loving relationship with you and me.
This is a relationship in which we can share the questions or concerns or worries or uncertainty that trouble our hearts and fill our minds. God wants to be included in the conversation. God wants to be with us in the questions and the answers.
The Message translation by Eugene Peterson phrases the verses this way: Jesus said, “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?”
So I ask you again – what questions do you have? What is it that you hope to find? What is the door that you want to have opened?
Let us pray:
Almighty God, Loving Father, hear my questions. Walk with me in seeking the answers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.