“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 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!” Luke 11.9-13
My earthly father was a gift giver. He was very generous to me. One of the most significant gifts he gave me was when I was graduating from Baylor and wanted—needed—a computer. I was young and unaware of how difficult it had been financially to support me and my sister at Baylor. I asked, and not long after, he gave me the green light to get a computer. Little did I know that he had sold his Rolex watch so I could have a Mac. Needless to say, that was one of the most special gifts of my life.
Jesus reminds us that we have a good Heavenly Father who gives gifts. He does not give us bad gifts when we ask; He gives good gifts to those who love Him, serve Him, and trust in Him. Just as our earthly parents give generously to their children, “how much more,” Jesus says, will our Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
The gift given by God in this passage is not wealth, health, or happiness. It is much greater—the gift He gives is the Holy Spirit. It is Himself that He gives. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God the Father and God the Son. So when we ask for a gift from God, He gives more than we could ever ask or imagine.
God did this for the tribe of Levites. All the other tribes of Israel received their inheritance in land—but not the Levites. Their portion of the inheritance was the presence of God Himself. He gave Himself to them, the holy priests of Israel. And again in the New Testament, God gave Himself in Jesus—as a baby and then on the cross. God is always giving Himself to His people.
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. When we trust God with our lives, He places His presence within us.
Have you trusted Christ for your sins? Have you been born again? Would you pray now and ask Him to give you His Spirit—His gift, His love, and His power?
If you do, your life will never be the same.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. I praise You for loving us and for giving us Your Spirit. You did not have to do that! You did not have to empty Yourself upon the cross so we might have eternal life—which, in truth, is knowing You. Thank You, Lord, for saving me, strengthening me, and allowing me to walk in newness of life. I praise You, Lord, and exalt Your name, for You are good and your love endures forever.” Amen