Command 17: Ask, Seek, and Knock
Study Question
Q: Why did God promise to deliver His people from the bondage of Egypt and then lead them into a wilderness with no water or food?
A: God is love, and love deepens by intimate fellowship. When God led the nation of Israel into the wilderness, He wanted their needs to draw them close to Him for intimate fellowship (see Deuteronomy 8:2). During their 40 years in the wilderness, God continually provided for their needs as they trusted in Him. When God provided food for the people, He told Moses that He wanted them to know “… that I am the LORD your God” (Exodus 16:11–12). God also demonstrated His power and provision by preventing their clothes and shoes from wearing out or becoming too small. (See Deuteronomy 8:4.)
God’s number one challenge with the nation of Israel was keeping their focus and attention on Him. He warned them “not to forget Him” and even lamented the fact that they would become proud and “not need Him” after they built houses, accumulated possessions, and had all of their physical needs supplied. (See Deuteronomy 8:11–14.)
Similarly, God desires a close relationship with each one of us and wants us to depend on Him for everything we need. He urges us to tell Him every detail of our needs in earnest and thankful prayer. (See Philippians 4:6.) When we experience needs, God wants our hearts to be turned toward Him, acknowledging our need for His intervention. Crying out to God in fervent prayer demonstrates our unconditional surrender to Him, involves a plea for His infinite mercy in our lives, and also reveals our confidence in a power greater than ourselves.
By following the Biblical instruction to ask, seek, and knock, we will not only experience God’s provision for our every need, but will also enjoy the fellowship of a deepening love relationship with God as our hearts are turned towards Him.
Your Thoughts
Have you thought of another study question and answer related to this command? Share it with us.
This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 3, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.