For many years I had the opportunity to have breakfast every Saturday morning with one of my children. Those times provided me with an opportunity to keep up with your lives and aspirations. After breakfast I would stop someplace and pick up a little surprise for you, as I’m sure you remember. As time went by, your choices began to become more expensive. That’s why I placed a limit on those surprises at few dollars. I found that provided contentment within the parameters I could afford.
During the past few days we observed where God expects us to start. But there are times when we have to display some action to move the process along from just asking. If we don’t get the response we need from step one and two, we must be willing at times to “throw caution to the wind.” Our next directive indicates that sometimes you must be aggressive. It is interesting how this sequence follows the same scriptural progression seen in other parts of the Bible. As you consider the last aspect of the principle, it should stand to reason that if we were faithful with the first two, this one will be where we achieve the greatest results and see God’s hand most vividly. It also stands to reason that if we do not do a good job on the first two that the results we hope for (through the application of this principle) will be lackluster at best. So, let’s contemplate the concept of knocking to have something opened to us.
As in both previous cases, let’s consider the key Greek words for knock and open. Krouō communicates 1) an individual making a heavy blow with the knuckles or another instrument on a door or entryway. The word assumes that 2) there is someone on the other side with the power to open the door and answer the appeal and request for access. The word Anoigō was often used as a metaphor meaning 3) to give entry into the soul, furnishing opportunity to do something, to grant something, or give access to a blessing. In everyday terms you could say the phrase communicates the following:
- If you forcefully strike a sounding blow to an opening or entryway, you are physically displaying your commitment to do whatever is necessary to seek entry and present a heartfelt request.
- You refuse to allow a barrier to stop getting the message to someone with the power and ability to make the request a reality. This person is not intimidated by your request, so barriers must be placed between them and the general public — otherwise they would be continually flooded with trivial requests.
- Once the individual realizes barriers will not deter pursuit or dampen passion they will be willing to give you what you want, if for no other reason than to quiet you (Luke 18: 1 – 8).
Most people stop at the barrier — they ask for entry but are denied. Some will even try to find other ways in but tire easily. The key is to visualize a caring heart of the person on the other side of the blockade and that they have the capacity to help. You’ve heard the old phrase “God helps those who help themselves.” While not Biblical, there is truth in those words. You must move past the simple to outside your comfort zone. If that doesn’t work, you must go all out — otherwise it will not happen. When was the last time you wanted something that bad?
Love, Dad