ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

Have you ever noticed that Cracker Barrels rarely have access from the main road frontage? One manager commented that the chain saves millions by positioning their restaurants just behind the expensive frontage. When asked about losing money, his reply was surprisingly candid. "I can assure you we don't lose any business. We are the single most trafficked restaurant in the US. We have a proven track record and a loyal following. People who want to find us always do!" It just goes to show that you find what you crave! A principle Cracker Barrel proves true every day.

At the beginning of the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that this principle is also true with the Lord. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, "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 the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened."

He reminds us to ask, seek, and knock. The words are linear, so we are to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. It is not a one-time action. You and I are to ask, seek, and knock over and over again—repeatedly. Further, all three are imperatives. We aren't just allowed to turn to God. We are commanded to do so!

As our loving Father, a term the Master Teacher uses 17 times in the Sermon on the Mount, God wants us to know the truth (his word, John 8:32). This is a Divine Guarantee that truth seekers will become truth finders (cf. Eph. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:4). When God's people pursue Him, He is faithful to respond generously.

Notice he will give if you ask, seek, and knock, but if you do not ask, seek, and knock, we have no such guarantee. We have to be proactive. However, when we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, He will give what is good. Our Father in Heaven will give what is good to us. We may not even know precisely what is good for us. Yet, He does because He is not bound by time.

Today, keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. Keep talking to God. Keep seeking His will for your life. Keep knocking on doors to see which ones He will open! I love you, and God does too!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. He loves going to eat at a Cracker Barrel!