An Open Door - Part Three

Yesterday we talked about how inadequate we can feel about reaching others for Christ. Jesus said we would become "fishers of men" yet we can feel like we've never seen water, much less a fishing pole! We discovered that Jesus tells us that we can go to God and that by persistent prayer we can obtain what we need to meet the needs we see around us. Of course, the greatest need people have is to develop a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Let's look again at the passage we looked at yesterday, but continue on until verse 13 (Luke 11:5-13). After telling the story about the friend who had a guest arrive late at night, Jesus assures us that if we ask, seek and knock we will receive what we need.

But Jesus knows our hearts. He knows that as we contemplate this story our experience with sinful human nature tells us that we need to be wary. Having awakened our friend in the middle of the night pleading for bread, just what might be in the sack that he handed us? Could the bread be stale and moldy? Might the apples have worms in them? What might we put in the sack in similar circumstances?

Jesus assures us, "If your child asks for a fish, would you give him a snake? If he asks for an egg, would you give them a scorpion?" Of course not. His conclusion: If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Isn't it fascinating that the Lord, after talking about a man with nothing to set in front of his guests, tells a story about how the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? He later goes on to tell his disciples that "they shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you shall be witness..." (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit is absolutely vital in accomplishing the Great Commission. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who know nothing of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Holy Spirit is at best an abstract theological concept rather than a living reality in their lives. To the question "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" they must honestly answer "No." (Acts 19:1-7).

What about you? Have you received the Holy Spirit? This filling of the Spirit was so important that Jesus told his disciples not go "fishing for men" until they had received it (Acts 1:4-5). Do you know the reality of the Spirit in your life? Can you honestly say that you are filled with the Holy Spirit...that you are under his control and influence?

If not, then ask, seek and knock until the door has been open and you receive what you need to be able to spread before your guests what they truly need.