Matthew 5-7

These three chapters illustrate what is so challenging to me in reading through the Bible in one year. I have just finished spending several weeks reading through the prophets, whose message is simple: “You are being punished by conquerors, because you have been faithless toward God.” Now in Matthew’s gospel I read through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ rich and deep teachings, in a single day. It deserves more attention. I could study it for weeks, and I will. I could meditate on it for months, and I will. But the discipline of reading through the Bible in a year propels me into other scriptural material. But, enough of my complaint!

[Jesus says,] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew‬ ‭7:7-8‬)

Be teachable! One doesn’t find the answers to life’s questions by being a “know it all.” Be proactive! One doesn’t even frame life’s most important questions through passivity, much less through sloth. Be curious! One may impress others by appearing disinterested, but one doesn’t go far in the things of God by ignoring those same things.