In Luke 18, Jesus gives us a parable to teach us the importance and the power of persistence, especially in prayer. Let’s take a look at that parable (18:1-8).
THE REASON FOR THE PARABLE – 18:1:
In verse 1, Jesus tells this parable to show His followers that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart. Take a moment and reflect on each word or phrase of this important sentence. “At all times.”
The next word I would like to draw to your attention is the word “ought.” Notice this word. This word carries with it the idea of a compulsion. Jesus is saying that we must devote ourselves to prayer. It is not optional.
We have the verb “to pray,” which of course refers to us talking to God. We can give God thanks in prayer. We can unleash our pent-up emotions to God in prayer. We can ask God for His blessings in prayer.
Finally, we observe the phrase “lose heart.” To “lose heart” means to be “discouraged.” To be “discouraged” is to “lose heart.” Jesus understands how easy it is for us to lose heart.
THE PARABLE – 18:2-5:
So Jesus gives us this parable. This judge did not fear God and he did not respect man. He was not a scoundrel but he was certainly self-centered. He had no respect or fear for God and he equally had no respect for his fellowman. The point Jesus wants to emphasize here is that this man is self-absorbed and would not lift a finger to help someone out.
Does God, to us, seem distant? Uncaring? Unresponsive? How often, in our hearts, do we echo the fear of the apostles in the middle of the storm on the sea of Galilee, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)
This man was a judge. It was his job to carry out justice or to see that justice was carried out. In this case, he was not the least bit interested in carrying out justice until this little old widow woman bothered him constantly enough that she wore out his patience! This word translated “to wear out” is used in 1 Corinthians 9:27 where Paul writes that he “disciplines himself” so that he will not become unfaithful. Here, the judge is saying that this woman is persisting and persisting and persisting until she wears out and punctures through this gruff exterior and strikes at the emotions hidden deep inside so that he will vindicate her.
JESUS’ MESSAGE – 18:6-8:
In verse 8, Jesus says that God will bring about justice, vindication, for His elect quickly. The troubles that afflict us in this life often steal our faith and wear us out. The problems that we pray about irregularly, that we ought to pray about regularly, are often problems that wear us out and steal our faith. So Jesus warns us in verse 8 that we must pray regularly, so we do not lose our faith because the question comes to us: when Jesus comes back to earth, will He find faith on the earth?
Family, that’s how important it is for us to be persistent, especially persistent in our prayers. It is all about keeping us faithful to Christ until He comes again.
Paul Holland
