Persistence

Please read Luke18:1-8. 

     Persistence is what we find Jesus speaking to his disciples about; he’s preparing them for their future.  He knows they will be confronted with a lot in the days to come as they share the gospel message and anticipate his coming again. He knows they will experience oppression, and they will be marginalized.  He is aware that they will feel a sense of hopelessness on occasion and wants to offer words to hold on to in those trying times.  Jesus knew hope could be elusive and during times of despair losing heart is a true reality.  Here he is preparing them to guard against it. 

     Maybe during your life journey, you felt defeated.  To the disciples then and to you today, Jesus is saying, “pray…do not give up.”  We do not have a hesitant God, the message is we need to persevere while a change is happening in us, in others and/or in our situation.  We need to trust God’s timing.                                                                    

     I have heard it said that since God knows everything and his will will be done why pray? Church, as we pray, we are submitting to God’s power and demonstrating faith and showing that we trust in God’s care for us.  We pray because it strengthens our relationship with him.  Prayer reflects our faith in who God is and expresses our obedience to him. Through conversation with God, we are offered comfort and are relieved of anxiety; a weight is lifted as we conclude with amen.  When we pray, we commune with God realigning with his will.  There is power and potential in our prayers – prayer changes situations but even more, it changes us.  When we become more vulnerable with God, we tend to look at situations differently, approach them with grace and respond with love.  As we mature in faith, we learn that prayer gives us perspective.  Through prayer we learn that we don’t get our immediate want like a toddler, but we glean something much greater, a trust in his goodness.   Over time, we learn to use prayer as a first resource rather than a last resort.  We pray because we are confident that God is listening and able to answer and eager to help us.  Church, prayer is not transactional- we don’t bargain with God- we trust in his providence and sovereignty.     

     When we look at the rhythm of the Lord’s Prayer and oversimplify it we learn…ACTS. Give A-adoration to God, using attributes describing God to you at that moment- Precious Comforter, Great Physician.  Then C- confession – I have fallen short and seek forgiveness.  Then T – Thanksgiving-thanking God for your blessings and struggles.  Then S - supplication –interceding on behalf of others and for yourself.  ACTS is not a prerequisite but an outline to guide us.  Jesus is not impressed with our words, he cares about our heart.  What is required is honesty.  

     Jesus immediately said, “Don’t lose heart,” and that is the purpose of this parable.  He is encouraging the disciples and us today, persevere, be persistent.  We have read scripture which contains dozens of answers to prayer (Hannah, Soloman, David and Jonah).  They believed, were relentless, patient, and persevered.  They waited and so might we.  We know God’s answers include yes, no, wait and grow. Sometimes there is a delayed response so that our faith is bolstered or our character is shaped as we see in the parable. 

     The parable explains that the judge granted justice to the vulnerable. This message teaches that if persistence paid off with a corrupt human of limited power, how much more would it pay off with a just and loving God of infinite power?  As a widow, one who had few resources and little if any influence, she fearlessly confronted a merciless judge.  Through faith and prayer Jesus peeled back the layers to help the disciples see a broader picture, the struggle that pursues between the vulnerable and the powerful and how prayer and faith in our omnipotent God.   

     Jesus is asking, “What makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for those who continue to cry out?”  And then responds, “He will defend and see justice prevail.”  We live in difficult times, and so did Jesus as did most generations between then and now.   This parable offers both comfort and empowerment to believers.  God is present, he is on the side of good, he wants to hear our praises, our pleas especially for those who are voiceless, and our gratitude.  Church, if a corrupt human judge will grant justice out of annoyance, then a just and loving God will surely grant justice to His people who cry out to him day and night.  Shout out your prayers.

     God is not an unjust judge; he wants to hear from us.  Listen, we need to stand up against the hopeless feeling the world sometimes offers and Satan basks in.  Don’t recoil.  Hear the encouragement of Jesus, pray and don’t give up.   This message reinforces that Jesus is coming again and hold us accountable to living out our faith.  

      Jesus ends this teaching with a provoking question for the disciples and us to ponder. When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? Church, persist in prayer, trust unto salvation, be forever ready for Jesus. And all God’s people say, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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