Ask [and keep on asking] and it will be given to you, seek [and keep on seeking] and you will find, knock [and keep on knocking] and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Jesus has issued a challenge. I don’t think many people think of it that way when they see this verse, but that’s really what it is, and that’s the spirit in which it was given. Jesus has issued a general challenge to all to come and get to know Him. It’s at least an invitation, but I think it’s more than that. Come on, if you want to know me better: take me on. You won’t be disappointed. This, of course, is the reason for the challenge. Jesus wants a relationship with us, and He wants the give-and-take of a two-way relationship. He wants a relationship with someone who wants one with Him.
We need to introduce Jesus to people this way, because most people respond to a challenge. This challenge assumes that they are looking for something. They realize their life is incomplete. If someone doesn’t respond to a challenge like this, they are, more than likely, not interested
Jesus wants a living, thriving relationship with us, and if we are not interested, well … neither is He. In fact, the verse immediately prior to this one implies a person uninterested in a challenge. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). In other words, don’t waste the truth on someone who is not interested in finding it. That would be like trying to teach your dog the meaning of John 3:16, or trying to interest a pig in eternal salvation. Don’t bother. The truth is too important
The search gives the whole process dignity. Dogs and pigs are undignified in relationship to sacred things. They insult the sacred process. Truth bounces off them like water off a duck’s back. But find me someone with tons of questions, Jesus would say, and I’ll show you someone who will make a great disciple of mine.
Too often we try to sell the gospel. We try to make it interesting to someone who isn’t interested. Don’t bother. If they’re not interested, no problem; find someone who is. Issue the same challenge Jesus issued and then welcome all comers.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” To each one of these we could add “and keep on asking … keep on seeking … keep on knocking,” because that is the meaning of the verbs used in the original language. They are verbs which imply continuous action. In other words, this is not a one-time-thing; it’s a process of life — a continual dynamic expression of our relationship with God. We are continually to be in the process of questioning, seeking for God in everything, and knocking on the doors of heaven until we get a response. God is looking for people like this.
John Fischer The Catch 
Long ago I gave up the notion that I had to lead someone to the sinners’ prayer; otherwise my time spent with them was a waste…there were so many others for whom it was my responsibility to save. I still say there are people walking around who prayed that prayer just so I would shut up and leave them alone.
Thank God His Spirit got hold of me and I slowly learned that there were real people, really hurting people, on the other end of my so-called witness. He taught me about grace and intimate, penetrating respect for this person created in His image and therefore deeply loved by Him. He taught me how to plant seeds…with my words, the sound of my voice my laughter and my tears, my touch. He taught me to tend those seeds by extending the same kindness He has shown me over and over again.
Because I respected, I earned respect, and sometimes even love – a love that transcends differences and disagreements.
Only then did I earn the right to speak. And when I did speak I learned to be led by the Spirit and not to share more than someone could accept at that point in time. I learned it was my life, not words, no matter how scriptural, that would mean anything to them. And in Christ, aren’t all of our lives biblical and scriptural? Besides, statements can be argued over, but your life experience cannot.
He has taught me that most likely it won’t be me that leads a person to Christ, and that’s become okay with me that I won’t reap the harvest. But I had better make sure that I don’t carelessly tread under my big feet the seeds lovingly set by another. The young shoot tenderly coaxed along by another. The first flower that opens to the Son. The first hints of the fruit that is to come.
As you have said many times, and it is something I have taken to heart – we are in The Age of Grace. Even if I was totally rejected by someone, for any reason, it is my responsibility and honor to keep them in my heart, in prayer and forgiveness as long as He brings them to mind. As Oswald Chambers taught, intercession is our greatest duty as believers.
Blessings to you and Marti for all you do!
After just finishing Origins by Dan Brown, I am glad to hear this. It caused me to question things I’ve believed all my life, but I had no lees need for God and the gift of His Son. I felt even more open to a bigger world of possibilities.
This is good news, indeed, Rick. Thanks for posting!
On another note: over the years I’m learning to be more persistent as I seek Truth in Jesus. The religion I was raised in portrayed a distant God, ready with punishment. There was no bible truth, just man’s distortion of it – no teaching about God’s love shown through Jesus. To question anything was out of the question. Even after I got saved, a close and personal relationship with God seemed out of reach.
Then I had a vision{ Jesus was ahead of me in a large crowd and it was almost dark). I kept calling out and pushing toward Him, literally knocking people aside as He walked ahead. Then, I finally reached Him, touched Him – and He turned to face me. I saw His face; I saw the face of God. I can’t describe it; there is just a warm glow in my memory. And a feeling of peace that gives me chills to remember, even after almost 50 years
I learned that I did not, could never, diminish Him with my questions…or even my doubts. I knew He could – and would – take anything I could throw at Him…as long as I was honest.
As a youth leader, as CMA chaplain, as a small group leader – I always try to ask the deeper question – the one that doesn’t have the quick , pat answer. I want everyone, including me, to go away and come back with more questions – about themselves, about life, about Jesus.
Here’s a paradox I think….when it comes to Jesus – the answer is in the question. It’s something I know spiritually, but couldn’t put into words to explain.
Now I just have to break out of my box of fear and doubt and “live like a believer” as an old Amy Grant song goes.
you’ve hit upon a great truth here in that the answer is in the question. Questions are so much better than answers.