A S K

If the Bible is not a guide for living, what’s the point of having it?  In fact, at ever so many points the Bible makes it clear “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:22b).  Much more pointedly it says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).  One could actually conclude in a hurry that the Bible is all about the business of telling us how to live.  No passage of Scripture does this more comprehensively than Psalm 119 from which we take just one verse to illustrate the whole, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (verse 105).

This understanding of the Word became a launching pad for Jesus in His ministry in laying out certain principles of how to live and navigate one’s way through life.  Following His teachings unto themselves apart from a vital relationship with Him is vain, but following them under the direction of the Holy Spirit leads to life.  Let’s look at two of these life-giving verses.  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matt. 7:7&8).

These two verses seem so contemporary; so American, if you please.  We also need to be mindful of the fact Jesus is putting the weight of heaven behind His words.  So, Ask and keep on asking, for that’s the sense of the word.  Even in the “natural realm” how many times have you failed to receive a thing because you did not ask for it—perhaps you were embarrassed to ask.  Here, one is to keep on asking.  Other scriptures support this approach.  This applies in both the natural realm (everyday world) and the spiritual realm (prayer).

Next you are Seek and keep own seeking.  Perhaps a good illustration of this point is Charles Edison’s quest for a filament for the incandescent light bulb.  Combined with the efforts of others, purchasing helpful patents along the way, and unceasing personal effort he developed a commercially feasible incandescent light bulb.  In his quest Edison was actually following a biblical principle.

Finally you are to Knock and keep on knocking.  Not too unlike seeking, knocking suggests the answer is just on the other side of the door, or, just beyond an immediate obstacle.  One is not to knock and quickly turn away, one must keep on knocking until the door is opened.

The consequence of doing these things:  “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  GO FOR IT!

C.F.