A Life Worth Living

In Luke 18:1-7, Jesus tells his disciples a parable to teach that they ought always to pray and not loose heart. I read these words and the parable that follows during a hard season in my life. I felt as though my prayers were going nowhere. I saw no end to the situation I was in, I felt despondent. How then could I continue in prayer and not loose heart?

In the parable, Jesus gives an example of an indifferent Judge who doesn’t care about what God or man think. Yet a widow is able to get justice from him because of her persistence.

As I meditated on the words of Jesus, I was struck by the irony that this widow was able to get justice from a judge who could have cared less about her situation. We could even say he was the least bit bothered. I was also struck by the fact that the widow kept going back. I imagine, for this judge to act, it must have taken many visits from the widow.

As I thought of how to best define persistence as portrayed in this parable, I came across this definition, a firm or obstinate resolve to continue in something in-spite of difficulty or opposition. The widow had a firm (or obstinate) resolve to continue going back in spite of the judge’s indifference. This was not a one and done type of deal but continuous.

Jesus doesn’t only call for persistence in prayer, He tells his disciples not to loose heart. Why? Because unlike the unrighteous judge who is indifferent, God is not. In contrast, God is attentive to their cries. He has compassion towards them. He will give them justice.

Luke 18:7-8 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night?Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.

When I read those words in Luke, it was as If God had thrown me a lifeline as Jesus answered the unspoken questions of my heart; Does God care? Will He really right the wrongs of this world? Will things really be made right one day? Does He see the cries of my heart?

The words of Jesus reminded me God’s unassailable character – He is Just! I felt a resurgence of hope in my heart. As though Jesus was saying, ‘I know things are not as they should be but don’t be discouraged. Don’t give up or fall into despair. I am telling you God will do it. Keep praying.’

I love how this parable ends “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Jesus connects prayer with faith. What would keep someone going back ? What would give someone a firm resolve to continue something? Faith.

Here’s the encouragement this parable offers us when it comes to being persistent in prayer. Here’s the “why” of our persistence:

1. We know Gods Character. He is a just God. And His character guarantees that He will give justice to his elect.

2. Our persistence is an act of Faith. I believe God will.

I hope this gives you encouragement as you reflect on prayer. This month I’ll be blogging on my reflections on prayer.

See you next week!