Have you ever asked the question: "Why didn't you tell me?" only to be told, "You didn't ask." In other words, all you needed to do was ask. Well, the Bible says the same thing. In fact, we know these words Jesus' spoke very well. However, they have often been misused, misquoted, and misrepresented. So, today, I would like us to think about this verse. I don't claim to know everything about these words, but I think we can put a little clarity into them.
In this verse, there are three actions words: ask, seek, and knock. I believe they are synonymous with each other. Still, let's examine each of them.
Ask: What are we to ask for? Earlier in the sermon on the mount when Jesus is telling the disciples how to pray, He says to pray: "Give us today the food we need" (Matthew 6:11). I believe Jesus is saying that He wants us to ask for His provision. Asking for this brings glory to Him. As I pondered this this morning, I thought about what I really need. I need more compassion, love, empathy, and a stronger servant heart. Those things can be lacking in me, and I really need them in order to fulfill the Great Commission and live like Jesus lived.
Seek: The Bible says over and over again that we are seek God. Remember, He has all the fullness in Him... He is full of love, compassion, mercy, truth. While I lack a lot, He lacks nothing. I believe we are to seek what He has, things that we don't have (or that we lack). We are to run hard after Jesus, seeking more of Him... more wisdom, knowledge, kindness, faithfulness, goodness. All God wants is for us to come into His presence and seek after these things.
Knock: If we knock, the door will be opened. And Revelation tells us that what God opens, no one can shut (Revelation 3:8). We should knock on the door that leads to His pathway. We should want to walk on the road He has mapped out for us. Let me say this... there is not a better road we could walk on.
These words took on a whole new meaning today. I hope they did for you, too. Let's take some time today to ask, seek, and knock. Tell God that all you want is for Him to pour more of His fullness into you. Hope this encourages you.