Whenever we call on God the response is greater than expected / Compare to my article "Bookends to Matthew's Gospel"

Whenever we call on God the response is greater than expected

Compare to my article “Bookends to Matthew's Gospel”

Jesus told his disciples the three-fold prayer of calling on his Father.  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  (Mt 7: 7-8).

Almost too simple, but there is another aspect needed to be aware of.  Yes, to the expectation that his Father hears the prayer and the Holy Spirit is already handing over blessings that many people weren't expecting.  This is not a negative approach to the hidden grace that God wants to give us.  Read a bit further in this chapter regarding the true disciple and allow the meaning to sink in and take root.  “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.  By their fruits you will know them.”  (Mt 7: 15-16).

“Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven..  Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?  Did we not drive out demons in your name?  Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?  Then I will declare to them solemnly, I never knew you.  Depart from me, you evildoers.”  (Mt 7: 21 -23).

Here is a most powerful teaching that belongs with far too many in government, churches that are not feeding the flock properly, and to so many others that proclaim Christ with their hands in the pockets of true believers and are just exalting themselves. The warning signs are prevalent and shame on those who are false, pulling the innocent into the depths of hell with them.

This is what happens when someone takes scripture out of context and moves beyond the understanding of the written word without including the totality of the message.

Chapter 7 completes the full measure of the Beatitudes and should also add as a final inclusion of chapter 25; The Judgement of the Nations.  Herein the Beatitudes is completed as two bookends to Matthew’s Gospel.

Ralph B. Hathaway