As we continue in this series, we come to Jesus’ words: “Ask...search...knock!” And coupled with it is what has been traditionally called The Golden Rule: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:7-12)
Quite often, we regard the first part as instructions for prayer. But prayer is more than “requesting” from God. In fact, Jesus has already taught us to pray in the Sermon on the Mount when he gave us what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:5-15) But this section is about quests and requests, which may be a part of prayer in general, but the distinction for us in what Jesus has already called prayer and what he doesn’t call prayer here is important.
So at this point, we need to remember that Jesus is talking to disciples: those who follow him. Disciples are seekers of his Kingdom and seekers of the Kingdom will seek Kingdom things. Why wouldn’t God give his Kingdom citizens the things that we seek in fulfilling the revealing of his Kingdom in and through and around us?
So if this is prayer, it’s crucial to pray for God’s will to come through us - through who we are and what we’d ask for...before we even ask. Would the Father deny that which is both good for us and his Kingdom?
May the Lord meet you as you seek the Word this week. Pray for the Lord to lead and guide you as you read and as you work and live your day.
Monday, January 16 - Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
Tuesday, January 17 - Matthew 7:1-11, Psalm 5
Wednesday, January 18 - Matthew 7:1-11, Genesis 32:22-32
Thursday, January 19 - Matthew 7:1-11, John 3:31-36
Friday, January 20 - Matthew 7:1-11, Philippians 4:4-13
Saturday, January 21 - Matthew 7:1-11, 1 Samuel 1
Sunday, January 22 - Come to worship with your church family!
