Theme: PRAYING AND WAITING ON THE LORD ALWAYS
Text: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” – Luke 18:1-5.
Comment: Jesus Christ, knowing that some worshippers would become weary, of praying because of impatience, gave this parable of the importunate widow (or of the Unjust Judge). Though the Judge would not grant her request for a while, yet she persisted in seeking his help to avenge her of her adversary. Eventually she got him to act, to save himself from her continual requests for help. From this parable Jesus Christ taught a vital lesson. “And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?” (verse 8) In this parable, our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, showed vividly that it is not only most rewarding to pray and wait for God, but also that we should be persistent in our prayers. The Psalmist stated: “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55: 17) And Saint Paul enjoined us to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17) We should however take note of the poser raised by Jesus Christ as to whether when he comes the second time he would find people who not only have the faith to pray but are willing to continue praying even when their petitions have not been granted by God. There would be such people of faith by God’s grace. – Daniel 12:10; Matthew 24:12,13; Revelation 7:9,10,13-15.