BACKGROUND
171. Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow: Luke 18:1-8
The parable of the persistent widow was very applicable at the time. Widows were often left destitute with no means of earning income (despite the instructions in the Law and the prophets to do otherwise: Exodus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 16:9-15; Psalm 146:9; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Jeremiah 7:6).
An Eastern judge would have moved from place to place and set up his courtroom in a tent. In this society, women did not go to court. So, a widow had no one to represent her. Also, she would not have been able to pay a bribe to the judge's assistants so that they could alert the judge to the case.
Knowing the background of this parable helps you understand that her persistence was incredible! She had everything stacked against her, but she did not give up! This judge did not fear God or love men, but because she was persistent, he granted her justice. The text says that the judge did not want to be "worn out" with her persistence so he gave in. In Greek, this means "to beat the face black and blue" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: Volume 2, p. 156) which could mean "expose me in a public scene" (The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) -- i.e. ruin his reputation.
Unlike this judge, God loves and cares for the children of God, and He loves it when we persist in prayers of faith. Not only that, we have open access into His presence (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-22), an Advocate (1 John 2:1), and High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18) who requires no bribe but represents us before the throne of God, and the Holy Spirit who assists us when we pray (Romans 8:26-27)!
172. Jesus tells the parable of the two men who prayed: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus said in Luke 13:30 that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. This parable illustrates that point. The Pharisee's self-righteous rituals would not make his prayer heard, but the tax-gatherer who humbled himself and threw himself on the mercy of God would be heard.
REFLECTION
per·sis·tent (p r-s s tnt, -zs-)adj. Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately. (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language) |
Recently, I met some unwanted opposition from the enemy. It came at a time when God had called all of us on the ministry team I am involved with to become more persistent in our prayers. The opposition was instantaneous with the increased prayer and fasting that had just started, I wanted to give up and go and run away and crawl in a hole!
Yet, God kept saying to "persist in prayer and do not give up." Even though I asked many to pray with me, I struggled from Tuesday - Saturday night with the lies the enemy was telling me until I realized at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning that I needed to just go to my "prayer closet" and claim and pray through Scripture related to the issue. I was determined to keep praying until I heard my Righteous Judge and was able "to discern the difference between true conviction of sin from the Holy Spirit and wrongful accusation from the kingdom of darkness" (Praying God's Word, p. 330).
I heard truth from Him and was freed from the struggle!
Persistence pays off! He loves us enough to speak to us in every situation.
Praise be to Him!
APPLICATION
Do you have nagging and lingering issues that You have not truly prayed through? Carve out time for prayer today and be persistent in it! Do not give up!
Read a biography on a man who prayed persistently: George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles by Basil Miller. It helped shape my prayer life in my early years as a believer. It would be a great story to read to your kids (there is also a short story about him in Veggie Tales: Gideon Tuba Warrior).
Pray Scripture and claim God's unfailing promises. He LOVES you! I prayed through the chapter "Overcoming the Enemy" in Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds by Beth Moore on Sunday morning. It is an excellent resource. I cannot recommend it highly enough, especially this chapter.
PRAYER
Lord, our Righteous Judge, we praise You with all our hearts. I thank You that we have an Advocate and High Priest who lives to make intercession for us. Holy Spirit, guide us as we persist in prayer. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
George Mueller had a profound effect on my life in the early 80s.
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