Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ” This is an optimistic declaration by the Lord. However, none of us are so naïve as to think what Jesus was saying was simply, "Ask for wealth, and I'll give it to you!" or "Ask for a miracle, and I will immediately provide you with one!" Were it that easy, we would all be wealthy, healthy, and happy.
The third century Archbishop of Constantinople, Saint John Chrysostom, explained that Jesus wasn't saying just ask, but "ask with great concern." He points out that if you were looking for gold or a lost person (who might be in danger), you wouldn't casually look. You would "seek" with "intensity and passion." We should not show greater "eagerness" for treasure or people than we do for the things of God. Chrysostom added, "Jesus said 'knock' to show that even if He doesn't open the door immediately, we should remain at the door knocking."
Our verse for today is reminding us that God has many blessing in store for us. So many good things which He wishes to shower down upon us. However, we have to do our part; and a casual request from us will elicit a casual response from God. If we really want or need something from Him, we must do as Jesus counseled, and "always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1) Sincere, persistent, and faith-filled prayer is the "asking," "seeking," and "knocking" of which Jesus spoke.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
