Matthew 7:7-12
This section includes a list of actions and results: ask = receive, seek = find and, knock = door opens. Just to be sure we get it, Jesus repeats the same thing in very slightly different words. The section also includes a word picture of a father and son. Jesus asks if a dad would give his son a stone when he asks for some break or a snake when he asks for a fish. The metaphor is that God, our Father, will give us, his sons and daughters, good gifts.
I do wonder how this part fits under the thesis statement for Jesus' sermon: "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Maybe Jesus is saying that entering the kingdom will be a process of seeking and asking. It might be a long process but we can be sure that our Father, who is better than any earthly father, will give us the good gift of finding the kingdom of heaven if we continue to ask, seek and knock. However, even in this section of the sermon, it seems to be pretty loosely held together because Jesus' conclusion is, "therefore in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Which tells me that this section is actually about loving your neighbour as yourself which is really hard to tie into "ask, seek, knock".
I am learning more and more about the kingdom of heaven. I am learning that it is not just a matter of me having a restored relationship with God but it is helping to extend his right to rule over every area of creation: in my relationships with others, in issues of justice and mercy and in issues of looking after the environment. This is a huge task but as I continue to ask God for his help and for his kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven, seek justice and mercy and knock down opposition through prayer and effort then I can be sure that God will give the good gift of his kingdom. I pray that I will not get tired of doing the good work that God has called me to do and that I would not move forward on my own wisdom and power but in God's.
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I hear you, the Kingdom is so counter cultural to the North American dream. Our dream should be to be part of the Kingdom of God. He gives perfect gifts to us, but often we want our own selfish gifts and are to thick skulled to accept these awesome giffts. We continue to look out for our best interests, however we are forgetting that Jesus has our best interests at heart. I am also struggling with these things as well, such as justice, peace, protecting the earth, and loving others, especially those people that I find so hard to love. Let us continue to work out our Salvation and pursue the Kingdom of God. Let us never stop seeking out Jesus.
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