Jesus, the Son of God, is both our Father and our friend. This is exactly how He wants us to relate to Him. In this discourse, Jesus explains in a clear and straightforward way how we should approach Him- especially for those of us who love Him. It does not require rocket science to understand, yet many of us miss the point. We often see God as distant, yet throughout the Scriptures, we are reminded that Jesus is with us through His Holy Spirit.
Matthew 7:6–12
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Poor prayers
The children in Jesus’ example asked their father for bread and fish, good and necessary things. But what if they had asked for a poisonous snake? Would a wise father grant such a request? Sometimes, God knows we are asking for “snakes” without realising it, and in His mercy, He does not give us what we ask for, no matter how desperately or persistently we pray.
Nor does God give us “stones” or “snakes” instead of what we truly need. He may not grant every naïve or foolish request, but He always provides what is truly good for us—and at the right time.
As we grow in our relationship with God as a loving Father, we begin to understand what is truly good, and our prayers reflect that understanding. Then, He grants our requests.
In verse 11, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father. God is not selfish, begrudging, or stingy. We do not need to beg or grovel when we come to Him in prayer. As a loving Father, He understands us, cares for us, and comforts us. If human beings, despite their flaws, can show kindness, how much more kind and generous is God, the very source of kindness?
Jesus refers to us as “sinful people” to draw a contrast between our flawed humanity and God’s perfect holiness.
The Gospel, Jesus’ words are simple and pure. Keep it simple. We do not need long, elaborate prayers. Just a few heartfelt words to our Father in heaven are enough. His eyes are always upon us.
Testimony
In 1964, I failed my secondary entry exams, which meant I could not be admitted to any government school. I was in Masaka at the time. This was a devastating blow for both my parents and me.
Thankfully, a teacher named Kayongo started a private secondary school in the former Kiwala Hotel, near Bukakata Road. By the grace of God, I was admitted—even though I had no credentials. The school welcomed anyone who had failed to gain entry into government institutions and quickly became known as a school for “failures”. It was a boarding school.
Turning Point
Just before the end of that first term, my uncle—John Lubega (now Professor Lubega)—arrived unexpectedly at around 10 a.m. He had been sent from Kampala to Kako to fetch me. The headmaster called me out of class, and my uncle told me that my sister had managed to secure a place for me at Lubiri Secondary School.
I got into the car, and by 2 p.m. that very day, I was sitting in a music class at Lubiri SS. My life was never the same again. I gave my life to the Lord and began walking with Him. In 1969, I was admitted to medical school.
This was truly the hand of God at work. He turned my mourning into dancing (Psalm 30). He did not give me a snake, He gave me bread, which became the Living Bread that continues to sustain me to this day.
