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“HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!” — Matthew 7:11 |
Jesus was a master teacher. He often illustrated spiritual truths with everyday things people could relate to.
Birds. Flowers. Salt. Light. Farmers. Seed. Trees. Fruit. Vineyards. Weeds. Thorns. Sons. Fathers. These were colors on Jesus’ palette.
One picture he painted was of loving fathers who don’t deny their children when they ask for bread and fish. We can imagine fathers like that who provide dinner for their kids. Jesus then says God is like that, only better.
It was a radical move for Jesus to call God ‘Father.’ Some wanted to kill him for it. But here, he goes even further and calls God our Father.
God is not a genie or a force, but a good father. Although by nature we are children of wrath, deserving God’s judgment, to our great surprise God wants to treat us as beloved children. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross he separated our sin from us as far as the east is from the west. Our Father runs to welcome us home.
How much more. This is the force of Jesus’ argument. Even evil fathers still give good gifts. How much more trustworthy is someone who is not evil, but good? How much more willing does a good father listen to our desires? How much more does he understand when to say ‘Yes’ and when to say ‘No’ to our requests? How much more is he ready to meet our needs? How much more able is he to supply us from his infinite riches? How much more valuable is a perfect Father, than a limited earthly one?
Jesus’ invitation is to ask, seek and knock on heaven’s door because it is your Father’s home.
Do you desire an increased measure of faith? Ask.
Do you need godly companions for your journey. Ask him.
Do you want a deeper understanding of God’s word? Go to your father.
Do you desire more of the Holy Spirit? He gives it without measure.
Do you need wisdom? He gives it generously to all who ask.
Do you long for healing? He is the Lord our healer.
Do you need counsel? His name is Wonderful Counselor.
Are you looking for provision? He is still Jehoveh-Jireh.
We are children of a perfect Father, sons and daughters of the one true king.
Our enemy will lie to us as he did to Eve, saying, ‘You can’t rely on God. Haven’t you asked in the past and not received?’ he says. ‘You should take what you want!’
But in the presence of our Father, fear has its funeral. Worry withers. Doubt dies away. In God’s presence we remember his promises:
- “How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)
- “For those who love God all things work together for good.” (Romans 8:28)
- “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
So go on asking, seeking and knocking. Your father hears you. He loves you. And he is wildly generous to meet your needs and give you what is best for you.
Father in heaven, there is no higher honor than being your children. We would have settled for servants or slaves, but adopting us was your idea. We praise you! Teach us to live out of this identity and come to you asking, seeking, and knocking. Amen.
© 2025 John Rinehart
