A Jewel in the Redeemer's Crown

"The Saviour never passed by one soul, however sunken in sin, who was willing to receive the precious truths of heaven. To publicans and harlots His words were the beginning of a new life. Mary Magdalene, out of whom He cast seven devils, was the last at the Saviour's tomb and the first whom He greeted in the morning of His resurrection. It was Saul of Tarsus, one of the most determined enemies of the gospel, who became Paul the devoted minister of Christ. Beneath an appearance of hatred and contempt, even beneath crime and degradation, may be hidden a soul that the grace of Christ will rescue to shine as a jewel in the Redeemer's crown.

‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ Matthew 7:7 To leave no chance for unbelief, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation of His words, the Lord repeats the thrice-given promise. He longs to have those who would seek after God believe in Him who is able to do all things. Therefore He adds, ‘For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.' The Lord specifies no conditions except that you hunger for His mercy, desire His counsel, and long for His love.

‘Ask.’ The asking, makes it manifest that you realize your necessity; and if you ask in faith you will receive. The Lord has pledged His word, and it cannot fail. If you come with true contrition you need not feel that you are presumptuous in asking for what the Lord has promised. When you ask for the blessings you need, that you may perfect a character after Christ's likeness, the Lord assures you that you are asking according to a promise that will be verified. That you feel and know you are a sinner is sufficient ground for asking for His mercy and compassion. The condition upon which you may come to God is not that you shall be holy, but that you desire Him to cleanse you from all sin and purify you from all iniquity. The argument that we may plead now and ever is our great need, our utterly helpless state, that makes Him and His redeeming power a necessity.

‘Seek.’ Desire not merely His blessing, but Himself. ‘Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace.’ Job 22:21. Seek, and you shall find. God is seeking you, and the very desire you feel to come to Him is but the drawing of His Spirit. Yield to that drawing. Christ is pleading the cause of the tempted, the erring, and the faithless. He is seeking to lift them into companionship with Himself. ‘If thou seek Him, He will be found of thee.’ 1 Chronicles 28:9.

‘Knock.’ We come to God by special invitation, and He waits to welcome us to His audience chamber. The first disciples who followed Jesus were not satisfied with a hurried conversation with Him by the way; they said, ‘Rabbi, . . . where dwellest Thou?. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day.’ John 1:38, 39. So we may be admitted into closest intimacy and communion with God. ‘He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.’ Psalm 91:1. Let those who desire the blessing of God knock and wait at the door of mercy with firm assurance, saying, For You, O Lord, have said, ‘Everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’’

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 129-131

Tom and Pat Leeson for providing the beautiful photo.

The staff at HopeNet prays that these thoughts have brought encouragement to you, that you have been inspired to seek after the true source of all Hope, the Lord Jesus Christ. We would appreciate hearing from you - comments