New Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
We Ought Always to Pray and Not Lose Heart
Introduction: This parable is typically called “The Parable of the Persistent Widow.” I like studying parables. We typically think the message is simple to see, which can throw us off track from Jesus’ greater intention. Also, in reading a parable, we often overlook Jesus’ purpose to reveal a deeper message to an audience who are not strong seekers. Jesus is attempting to stir their dullness and discover the riches of God. Therefore, a parable screams, “Look again!”
As we read this parable, our thought is that the message is about prayer and the persistence of prayer. But of greater importance is this is a parable about God and one’s estimation of God during the most difficult times. We think, and would readily say, that we have a high estimation of God. But how often have you felt like the woman in this parable? We come back repeatedly in prayer seeking to be vindicated for injustice we are suffering, but there seems to be no answer. Soon, we quit “beating on God’s door.” And that response harms us deeply because the next time we need to be relieved of injustice, we simply default to our own attempts to solve the problem because, we reason, “why go to God? He obviously is not that concerned about these matters.”
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32 ESV)
Now, what of the elect? What are they doing? They “cry to him day and night.” That is not badgering and beating on God like the widow did the judge.Jesus is teaching the same thing Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.” Jesus uses this parable to teach us that we ought always to pray. We are to always pray, not because God answers when we are persistent, but because he is always listening and always ready to give justice.Consider! What happens when we do what the Lord has taught here? Oh my! What contentment! What joy! What peace! When we pray and never cease to pray, there is no fainting; there is no losing heart!
“…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)
Conclusion: Note Jesus’ final words, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” There are two lessons:
The post Luke 18:1-8 We Ought Always to Pray and Not Lose Heart appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
