Seeking and Finding (Matt 7:7)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." - Matt 7:7

One of the most famous promises of Jesus, "seek and ye shall find" has been repeated to generation upon generation for the past two thousand years.

What does this word "seek" mean? It means 'to search for' or 'to look for.' But at its core it means to desire.

Following Jesus is not an unemotional, stoic process. It is a lifestyle of passion, zeal, and a burning desire for God.

Following Jesus is a supernatural activity that transforms each person who answers the call.

You are not following Jesus hoping to find something. You are following Jesus because you have already found something.

Jesus is not the means to an end. He is the means and the end.

To be walking the Way is to simultaneously know the Truth, and be receiving the Life.

Jesus can confidently say in the next verse "everyone who seeks finds" because in a certain sense, one has already found the very moment he begins to seek. In order to find, you must seek. But it also can be said that in order to truly seek, you must already have found what you're looking for.

To become a great musician, you do not simply try to find the perfectly crafted instrument.

To become a great athlete, you do not just try to figure out the mechanics of a certain athletic motion.

To become a great scientist, you do not just try to find that one peice of knowledge that will make you famous.

One finds greatness in piano, not like finding one's car keys, but by finding within themselves a burning desire for piano. There is no such thing as an overnight success. True success comes not by finding something at one point in time, but by becoming someone at all points of time.

God is in the business of creating Christ-like (AKA God-like) human beings. We do not become like God overnight by acquiring a certain piece of information. We become like God by constantly, persistently, and earnestly desiring (AKA loving) God. Only the one in whom Christ has revealed Himself is capable of such a desire, for this desire is not natural but supernatural.

This is what it means to seek.

And so yes, "seek and you will find" these are quite true words indeed. But also realize that to become one who seeks Christ is to simultaneously become one who knows Christ, because to find Christ is to realize that seeking Him has been the answer all along.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,

and live righteously,

and he will give you everything you need

Matt 6:33