Many people will pray about something for a while, and when the answer doesn't come when they think it should, they just throw up their hands and say, “What’s the use?” Many of us wouldn't admit it, but we have done the same thing!
In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus shared a parable about prayer that challenges that conviction. You don’t have to wonder about the meaning of this parable because the interpretation is given in the first verse: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1). I especially like this parable because it teaches such a strong lesson about prayer at so many different levels.
The story opens with a widow who had an adversary, or enemy who was trying to take advantage of her. It’s a good bet that someone was trying to cheat her out of money or land, her husband left her. This wasn't uncommon in Bible times, because women had few legal rights.
And, since she was a widow (and being a widow was synonymous with being "poor") she obviously didn't have the financial resources to "grease" the wheels of justice, if you will. She couldn't have paid a bribe to help her case even if she wanted too!
In Jesus’ parable this widow not only had the hurdle of being a female, she faced a terrible judge. He didn't have any fear of God, nor did he care what other people thought about him. He was probably a Gentile judge designated by the Roman authorities. Judgeships were sold and bought, and a judge could make a good living from the bribes that were common.
Therefore, since the widow had no money to bribe this wicked judge, her only recourse was to come before him repeatedly crying, “Grant me justice against my adversary! Grant me justice against my adversary!” (Luke 18:3) He dismissed her claim, but she kept coming back, constantly begging him for justice. He must have thought, “Oh, no, not HER again!”
Upon closer examination, the Bible refers to her “continual coming”. This phrase has the idea that she was begging this judge for help every day. When he would show up for court, there she was. When he went into the marketplace, there she was. She pleaded with him in front of his friends. She stalked him at home. Everywhere he went, there she was, constantly asking him to give her satisfaction.
In Luke 18:5, he admits she bothered him. The word translated “bothering” literally means to “poke in the eye.” He was upset because she was constantly in his face. However, this constant begging and nagging finally paid off in the end because he ruled in her favor!
There are some things that I'd like to point out here. In the parable, the widow didn't sit at home wringing her hands about her problem. Instead of worrying, she got up and approached the only person who could help her: the judge. That is precisely why we should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1).
When you face a challenging circumstance you have two choices. You can lose heart and let worrisome thoughts control your mind; or you can pray about it. You should pray and not worry because God loves you, and cares for you.
In the parable, the poor widow kept on begging the judge to grant her justice. She didn't just ask once and say, “Let me know what you decide.” She peppered his ears with persistent petitions. Have you ever asked God for something, and when He didn't answer your prayer immediately, you quit praying? The most effective prayers in the Bible are those that were prayed persistently! (Psalm 55:16-17)
In this parable, we are represented by the widow. Yes, that's right. This widow represents us! She didn't worry and she was persistent in her requests. But is God like that crooked judge? Does He have to pestered and coerced before He will answer your prayers? Not at all. Parables not only contain comparisons, but they contain contrasts as well. Jesus used the mean judge as the antithesis of our loving Heavenly Father.
He said, “And will not God bring justice to His chosen? Will He not answer their prayers quickly?” (Luke 18:7) You must expect God to answer your prayers. If you doubt that you’ll receive an answer, chances are you won’t. You must learn to pray positively, without doubting. Sadly, many Christians pray, but they really don’t expect and answer.
If it seems your prayers aren't answered, don’t quit praying, start looking for the reason. It may be the wrong request, or you may have unconfessed sin in your life, or the timing may not be right. God always answers prayer. But, He answers prayer in different ways.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Prayer is request. The essence of a request, as distinct from a demand, is that it may or may not be granted. And if an infinitely wise Being listens to the requests of finite and foolish creatures, of course He will sometimes grant them and sometimes refuse them...If God had granted all the silly prayers I've made in my life, where should I be now?"
Jesus’ encouragement to his disciples to pray and not give up is still relevant to us today. Unlike the widow, who had to plead for justice, we as followers of Jesus are God’s children who have his ear at all times. And, unlike the widow who had no one to plead her case, Jesus’ followers have an advocate in heaven.
Scripture: John 15:7; Philippians 4:6; James 5:16; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 John 5:14-15; Jeremiah 29:12
Prayer: Dear Lord, You are my light and salvation. With you I am not afraid and have nothing to fear. Thank you for being their for me even when the hour is darkest. Amen
May your day be blessed,
Kymberly
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.