Keys and Doors

Matthew 7:7-8 says"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." The previous chapter included Jesus speaking on anxiety. He was telling the people that based on how God provides for even the birds of the air, we have no reason to be anxious. It also includes one of my favorite verses, Matthew 6:33,"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Here in Matthew 7, Jesus says, "Ask," and it yours, "Seek, and you will find, knock," and expect an open door.

I believe the beginning step to all that we need is seeking first the kingdom. God's kingdom has all the answers, all the keys necessary to unlock or open doors. In Isaiah 22:22 it speaks of the keys given to the household steward. In Revelation 1:18 Jesus says, "I have the keys of death and hell." Matthew 16:19 says, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom..." The time has come for us to seek first the kingdom and use the keys. The problem is that we either use our keys to open what we consider spiritual things, kingdom things, or we use them to open natural things. We operate as if we live in two separate worlds. We do not. If we are kids of the kingdom, then all of our asking will be kingdom things. Do you need a job to open up? That is kingdom. Do you need more time with God? That is kingdom. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Whether it is in spiritual matters, family matters, or employment matters, it is all kingdom stuff for kids of the kingdom. So ask for the right door, look for it, and knock on it. It will be opened.

Thank You God for the keys of the kingdom. Help us to use them faithfully. May all that we do be unto You. Lord, help us to recognize that all of this life we live here is kingdom life. There is no where that we go, home, work , or play that we check the kingdom at the door and come pick it up later. Help us to carry Your kingdom everywhere we go. Thank you for opening doors for us that no one can shut. We knock and You open. Amen.