Other Food: daily devos: Persistent pray-ers

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Persistent pray-ers

stones with words PRAY, FAITH, GOD printed on them

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Luke 18:1-8

TO CHEW ON: "'Nevertheless when the Son of Man comes will He really find faith on the earth?'" Luke 18:8 NKJV

"'However, when the Son of man comes will He find (persistence in) the faith on the earth?'" Luke 18:8 AMP

This little story Jesus tells teaches us, using contrast, a bit about God and our prayers.

God's counterpart in this parable is a rogue judge who doesn't respect God or people. A woman keeps pestering him about getting justice for her situation until, in exasperation, he gives in, judging in her favor not because of the injustice but to get a little peace and quiet for himself.

Jesus' point: If this self-centred judge does the right thing (even if for the wrong reason), how much more will God, who is just and perfect, do the right thing for those who cry out to Him?

But:

It may not happen fast enough for us. There seem to be two perceptions of time here. "'Will He defer them and delay help on their behalf?'" Jesus poses this question and answers, "'I tell you, He will defend and protect and answer them speedily'" - Luke 18:7-9 AMP. But to the pray-er who continues to "'cry out day and night'" it seems to be taking a long time.

God values our persistence. Jesus again: "'However, when the son of man comes will He find (persistence in) the faith on earth?'" (Luke 18:8 AMP). The question implies that that's what He is looking for.

"George Mueller prayed fifty-two years for an unsaved loved one, but it wasn't until some time after he died that his loved one came to know Jesus Christ as Saviour. I believe our prayers go right on living and working even after we die" - Hope Macdonald.