Devotional
for the Week—26 March 2007
Prayer:
The Virtue of Persistence
Scripture Text: Luke
18: 1- 8
Persistence:
An Understanding of the Spirit of it
Persistence is the action expressed, due to underlying ideas that
one holds. The parable in Luke 18 speaks of a widow who persisted
in pleading with an unjust judge who initially ignored her plight.
She had three things working against her.
In spite of all these reasons against her, she persisted until
the judge became very irritated and annoyed. Just to pacify her,
he looked into the case and saw that she got justice. Jesus wanted
to point out to his disciples that if this unjust judge could
get justice for the widow – God could do so much more. For
the unjust judge is the opposite of the loving God we worship.
Jesus wanted to show his disciples that God is love and would
hear and grant us our prayers according to His will. Ultimately,
Jesus taught that the focus of prayer is not on the person praying
but on God Himself.
The Rationale for Prayer: Not Outcome, but Understanding
What is the rationale for prayer? It should not be just for outcomes
but also for the understanding that these times of prayer bring.
To give an illustration, we may still share our various issues
and problems with our best friends even though they may not have
the solutions to the problems we face. Why is this so? In the
midst of pouring out our thoughts and feelings to the person we
confide in – we have a listening ear - a person who may
be able to empathize with us. In the same way, we can tell our
problems, hurts and pain to God and know that He hears us. God
in turn comforts us through His word, people and circumstances.
This draws us closer to Him so we are able to build a relationship
with Him.
Misconception about the Parable
Some have misunderstood the parable that if they pray hard and
long enough, God will eventually give them what they were asking
for. This is a wrong thought to have because in the case of Jesus
at Gethsemane, Jesus pleaded with the Father to remove the suffering
but His Father did not. Jesus obeyed and submitted to His Father’s
will. Another case was Paul, who pleaded with the Lord to remove
‘the thorn in the flesh’. His pleas were denied and
the Lord told him in that in his (Paul’s) weakness –
the Lord would be glorified. We should learn to seek and do Our
Father’s will not our will. We should not insist that God
grant our every request because God in His wisdom knows what is
best for us.
Persistence is a good attribute to have and we ought to persist
because the personality and character of God is good. Persistence
in prayer is not a method but a spiritual attitude.
Virtue
in Persistent Prayer – Sign of the Faithful
Persistence in prayer is an attitude only the spiritual will seek
to develop. Luke 17 speaks of the Second Coming of Jesus near
the End of the World. And it sets the context for the parable
told at the start of Luke 18. Jesus told the parable in Luke 18
to show the disciples why they should pray and never give up –
till the Last Days. Jesus spoke that God will remain faithful
to His creation, but not many will remain faithful to Him for
they did not persist in prayer. Many will turn cold. When the
horrors of the Last Days come – many will lose heart in
God because they did not persist in prayer. By the time He comes
they would have turned from Him. For this reason, Jesus urges
his disciples not to give up in prayer, lest they be found wanting
when Jesus comes. Persistence in prayer creates an in-depth relationship
between God and man.
Prayer Response:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the encouragement that I should persist
in prayer. Not so much to have my prayers answered but to build
a loving relationship with You. I thank you for the privilege
to be called your child and to able to share my deepest thoughts
with You. Help me to persist in prayer that I will remain faithful
and not be found wanting when You return. Amen
Devotional
based on a message by Rev Joel Yong