SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:7-12
OBSERVATION:
He who seeks finds (vv.7-8) According to Jesus, with God the thing that matters most is sincere desire. Those who ask and seek will receive and find. God’s answer is not always easy or quick, but it is certain. This is not a guarantee that we will get what we WANT, but that we will get what we really, truly NEED.
How much more will your Father in heaven (vv.9-11) Jesus shows us that even though we are self-centered (evil), we still have the decency to give our children what they ask of us. How much more with God, Who is perfect. God is not a self-centered, malevolent, cruel being. God views us as much-loved children, and wants to help us and give us His best.
Do to others (v.12) A well known summary of God’s heart. This is what God is like, He treats us as He wishes us to treat Him and others – with respect, with humility, with generosity, with love, with justice. All of God’s laws are getting at this, that we would treat God and others appropriately. His laws are not His way of limiting us, but rather His way of protecting and blessing ourselves and others. Its for our own good.
APPLICATION:
This is the world according to God (also called the kingdom of God). A world where people are blessed, protected, and committed to loving and serving God and each other. It is a world of justice, truth, humility, compassion, kindness, generosity, etc. This is the world we are all looking for, whether we admit it or realize it or not! Do I live right now with an awareness that God is for me, not against me? Am I just using God (or religion) for my self-interest, or do I really want God’s kind of world? The answer to this question is whether I treat others as I myself want to be treated. How do I treat those who fail me, who hurt me, who take advantage of me, who falsely accuse me? This is important, because I am guilty of having done all these things myself. How do I hope that God will treat me?
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I need mercy as much as the next person. Help me to stop being religious, and to genuinely desire to live the kind of love and life that reflects Your world. Amen.