by Dr. Judy Stack
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are 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! In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:7–12
How long have you been knocking? How long have you been asking? How long have you been searching? This passage from Matthew reminds me of the parable of the persistent widow in Luke (18:1-8). Both are about encouraging us to trust in God’s goodness and desire to bless us even when it seems we are not receiving our desired answer. But as Martin Luther said, “The incarnation is proof that God is not against us.” Because of Jesus, we know that God is for us, and that we can be persistent in asking, seeking, and knocking confident of God’s love toward us.
Toadshade Trillium – Trillium sessile
These photographs, shared each day during Lent, capture the beauty of plants native to the Upper Midwest. As we spend time in Lenten reflection, these images of new life can remind us daily of our calling to be caretakers of God’s Creation.
Photo by Jo Anna Hebberger
