“Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7, TLV

A Father’s Heart. Isn’t this a hopeful and uplifting verse? Chapter seven is still part of Yeshua’s “Sermon on the Mount.” The pericope (section) around today’s verse is where Jesus gives insights into His Father. Prior to this, culturally, there was a much more reverential posture toward ADONAI. Clearly demonstrated by the Tabernacle and then the Temple — with obstacles and a curtain that separated the “common” people from the holy places.

The Jewish people’s ancestors saw GOD open the ground and swallow up the rebellious (Numbers 16:32). They also walked on dry ground when He parted the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) (Exodus 14). So, as chosen people of ADONAI, they were rightfully fearful and in awe.

This Creator of the Universe wouldn’t even give His “Name” to Moses (Exodus 3:13-15) — He was to be referred to as one of His many attributes, “I AM.” Which is why some Jewish people will not completely spell out LORD or GOD, but instead write L-RD or G-D.

“For what man among you, when his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or when he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (vss. 9-11, TLV)

Yeshua is explaining to the people that our relationship with His Father could be different. Still very reverential, as Yeshua was, because He served His Father (Luke 22:42; Hebrews 10:7). But Yeshua begins to hint that something was about to change. Those children that would be redeemed by Yeshua’s blood could call ADONAI, Father — even Abba, which is more like Daddy (Romans 8:15).

The people’s heart cry would be heard, as any loving father would.

For us, does that mean our Father will give us anything?  As a parent or your parents, did we? Of course not. Seeking is another essential part of our relationship. As we spoke about yesterday, our relationship with the Father is to be like Yeshua’s — Your will be done. Seeking that will, our Father will make certain we’ll know it.

Knocking, I suppose is just making sure that we have the right “door.” We don’t want to walk into the wrong room, or break into our own desires rather than our Father’s will.

Now when Yeshua had finished these words, the crowds were astounded at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one having authority and not as their Torah scholars. (vss. 28-29, TLV)

Many people ask why I prefer to use Father, or Abba, when referring to the LORD — why not Yahweh or Jehovah (that’s another discussion). I guess because of passages like this, but even more. Jesus suffered much so that I could call the Creator of the Universe, Abba. As one of His redeemed children, in reverential awe, I call Him my Father.