Week of October 11

“Disciples are to live, looking for the hope of the King’s return” (HCBC). However, we know the agony of waiting until He comes again and the longing for justice in the meantime. So, what are we to do today? Jesus calls His disciples to take matters into their own hands—praying hands! Let’s learn today about active prayer.

This parable is connected to the interaction Jesus had with His disciples, even though the connection may not be readily apparent to us (cf. 17:22). The Savior continues to teach His disciples about the consummation of God’s kingdom. By calling them to pray and not to give up, He provides them with an important lesson in the active power of prayer while they, and we, wait (see also 11:5-8).

This context focuses on the delay in Jesus’ return, but the broader application may be made to all life circumstances. In this parable, two characters make up the picture: a persistent woman and an unjust judge. Jesus uses, once again, an a fortiori argument. He means to show that, if an unjust judge finally granted the woman her request, how much more will God hear and grant the petitions of His followers who pray to Him day and night? Therefore, because Jesus’ return has been “delayed” for centuries (see Luke 17:22-37), the church should not give up, but instead to continue to pray “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11:2) and remain faithful (18:8; NAC).

This judge was that poor woman’s only hope. Her request was not “nonstop,” but persistent. Luke showed special concern for widows in his book. She had next to nothing, and yet someone had robbed her of what little she did have (cf. Luke 20:47). The idea is not to fail in praying for the big picture of God’s coming kingdom. The daily needs we have for justice fall beneath the umbrella of trusting God as well. He knows our needs, and He is just in taking care of us. This type of persistent prayer is to characterize the Christian life. I suppose whether we pray like this or not depends upon how much need we admit we have of God.

Let me illustrate the idea this way. I recall a reality TV episode of Yukon People. These folks had to prepare for temperature drops that remained around 20-40 degrees below zero throughout the winter! They anticipated the coming cold by making sure they had all they needed in food, water, and supplies until spring arrived. No persistent preparation, no survival. Jesus teaches that tireless prayer enables us to survive the “cold” until He returns.

What preparations are needed?

Jesus teaches us that the unjust judge had no reverence for God, and no respect for humankind (18:2; cf. Proverbs 9:10). Intrinsic worth and inherent dignity were not in his vocabulary. The Jewish historian, Josephus, once wrote about Jehoiakim, a king who ruled briefly over Judah during the Babylonian conquest: “He was of a wicked disposition and ready to do mischief, nor was he either religious towards God, or good-natured towards men” (Antiquities 10.5.2; see NAC). Reverence for God and respect for humans who were created in His image forms the core of the Old Testament law (see Mark 12:29-31). This parable was not to show “why” God will bring justice, but that He “will” bring it for all people. So, we are to remain prayerful until He returns!

The LA Times once ran a feature story on the longest-serving employee at the White House. He had served 51 years at that time, and his job was to keep the 85 timepieces ticking! His name was John Muffler, and he was the White House’s official clock fixer and winder. He kept those clocks balanced and oiled and wound for five decades! It was not all a bed of roses for Mr. Muffler, as he was called. President Lyndon Johnson chewed him out on several occasions, but he continued serving consistently and faithfully. 

Here is the spiritual point. Jesus reminds us of the vital importance of praying faithfully and consistently for the Father to come to take us home to be with Him.

1. Pray like a triathlete. They train hard and suffer great hardships to finish their races (2 Timothy 4:7). Dogged determination in prayer will bring ultimate success. Pray on!

2. For Families: We often begin to pray for concerns related to our family’s life together, and then, after a while, discontinue them. We don’t make a record of God’s answer, or celebrate when God’s plan has been revealed, or even when justice resolves a situation.

This is where the family prayer journal becomes an important item in our homes, even one we keep at hand on the kitchen counter or coffee table. When we pray together for a major family concern, or an issue of justice, or a complex situation, or for the salvation of someone we love, we make a ceremony of writing it down, date the prayer, and continue to pray. When God answers, we rejoice, make a special meal, celebrate God’s goodness, and write the date and His answer in the prayer journal! 

Can we imagine the treasure this journal will be over the years as more and more answers are documented? There will be many journals as time unfolds, and shelved in the family bookcases. After we are long gone to Glory, they will remain and testify to the legacy of faithful prayer you have modeled for your family, children, and future grand- and great-grandchildren. Let us commit to consistent prayer!

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock