Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Luke 18:1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
- The Importance of Prayer
Vs 1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart
- Unlike most parables, the Bible makes it clear the meaning of this parable before we even read it
- This passage is in response to the “last days” narrative Jesus gave at the end of chapter 17
- People quickly forget to run after God and get distracted by the world
- The Burden of Oppression
Vss 2-5 There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’
- This widow continued to “cry out” to the judge for help yet he would not help.
- When the judge became tired of hearing her cries and feared what she might do, he relented.
- In our lives, there is no question we often step into the role of the widow.
- The Promise of Deliverance
Vss 6-7 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
- Jesus made it clear; God is not like the unjust judge. He wants to hear from us.
- He will ALWAYS answer our cries for help.
- The Gift of God’s Timing
Vs 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
- God will take care of us in His timing, not ours.
- Jesus made a clear plea for all of us to faithfully trust Him, no matter the circumstances.
Action Points:
- Prayer is not a “good” thing to do, it’s the ONLY thing to do
Phil. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
- Don’t allow the pressures of life to drown out the promises of God
- Trust Him and His timing completely
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.