"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:8
These are very positive promises — and yet they must be read intelligently, in the light of other scriptures which explain and qualify the words. It is not all asking, which receives; for there is asking, which is not true prayer.
Some ask merely in word — with no real desire in their hearts.
Some ask selfishly — that they may consume the divine gift on their lusts.
Some ask rebelliously — without submission to the will of God.
Some ask without faith — not expecting any answer.
Some ask indolently — not ready to do their own part.
Some ask ignorantly — for things which would not be blessings if they were granted.
It is very clear that in these cases, those who ask will not receive.
So not literally 'all' who seek find. The seeking must be earnest. There is a remarkable word in one of the old prophets: "You shall seek me, and find Me — when you shall search for me with all your heart." The seeking must also be for good things. If our quest is for sinful things, or for worldly good, which would work in us spiritual harm — God will not give us what we seek. Then we must live right. "No good thing will he withhold — from those who walk uprightly." The thing itself must be good; and we must walk in paths of obedience — or there is no promise of reward for our quest.
In like manner, it is not to all knocking, that God opens the door. There are timid knocks that indicate neither desire nor faith, as when mischievous children ring a doorbell and then run away, not wanting to enter. It is when we knock at the right door, and knock with expectancy and faith and importunity — that the door is graciously opened. Thus in interpreting this wonderful prayer-promise, we must read into the words their true meaning. The asking, seeking, knocking — must be true prayer.
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J.R. Miller (1840 - 1912)
Prolific author and pastor of Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois, Rev. James Russell Miller served the USCC as a field agent in the Army of the Potomac and Army of the Cumberland.J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia. J.R. Miller D.D.'s lasting fame is through his over 50 books. Many are still in publication.
James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 - July 2, 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
In 1857, James entered Beaver Academy and in 1862 he progressed to Westminster College, Pennsylvania, which he graduated in June, 1862. Then in the autumn of that year he entered the theological seminary of the United Presbyterian Church at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller resumed his interrupted studies at the Allegheny Theological Seminary in the fall of 1865 and completed them in the spring of 1867. That summer he accepted a call from the First United Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He was ordained and installed on September 11, 1867.
J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia.
Five years later, in 1880, Dr. Miller became assistant to the Editorial Secretary at the The Presbyterian Board of Publication, also in Philadelphia.