Why Ask?
Every week, money goes into my bank account. But to access that money, I have to utilize a tool like a debit card, check, or withdrawal slip, akin to asking for what is already mine. I do not know anyone who thinks it strange that they do these things.
Jesus said something that I believe is worth considering today regarding asking.
Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
I have a question here. If receiving the Holy Spirit is automatic at salvation, why is Jesus teaching His disciples to ask for it?
Why didn’t Paul speak and behave like everyone saved is already filled with the Holy Spirit?
Why did the apostles send Peter and James to Samaria to ensure believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit?
Jesus is speaking specifically about the Holy Spirit. He is not referencing a salvation experience in Luke 11:13.
When speaking to the church at Ephesus, Paul said the following,
Ephesians 5:17 Therefore, do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
It is unwise not to know what the will of God is for you personally and for the fellowship of believers He has joined you with. It is unwise to seek to feel good using too much wine or a drug of some kind. If you want to be full of joy and feel good in your soul, then be filled with the Holy Spirit. First, be a New Creation in Christ by being born again. If we believe with our hearts that Jesus is the son of God and that God raised Him from the dead and then confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we are saved. Once that is done, we are ready to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How? Ask for it!
Jesus made this matter a simple one. If you believe that Jesus isn’t a liar, that Jesus is the baptizer with the Holy Spirit and fire, and that Jesus would never offer you anything that is not to your advantage, then asking for this should come easy, and receiving it is simple.
Your only hindrance is that you believe there is a hindrance. Questioning the goodness of God and doubting that whatever He prescribes is for your good is what hinders you from receiving all the good God wishes to do in and through your life through the work and power of the Holy Spirit.
Why is it we can see a doctor we hardly even know, and he or she can prescribe a medication that gives warnings of all kinds of side effects, yet we will spend good money to get it and take it as instructed, trusting it will do us good, but when God has prescribed to believers the Holy Spirit and His power some struggle with the idea of it?
My grandkids know I have things for them at my house like great refreshing filtered water and some drink drops to add if they like. They also know they will get water and drink drops if they ask for them. Why are they so confident? They know they are loved, believe that I am good to them, and desire to bless them every chance I get. They do not wonder if I will give them something dangerous or harmful to them.
There is still a need to ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit, or it would not be found in the Scriptures under the New Covenant writings. The real question is, are you asking for it?
