October 05, 2020: SOAP #3959:  Esther 3-8; Luke 18

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Observation:  This is the introduction to Jesus’ teaching about an unjust judge and a woman who would not stop asking for what she needed the judge to do.  He gave her what she wanted because he realized that she would not stop bothering him until he did.  (verses 1-8) Jesus ends with: “7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you; he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Application:  To stop praying before receiving the answer is to give up.  It could show that I do not have faith that God will answer, so I look for the answer from another source.  It could show that my request was not really that important to me.  

Continuing to ask can show that I am desperate; this is important to me.  It can show that I believe that He is the Only One who can grant such a request!   It can show that I believe He is inclined to answer my prayer.  It can be an expression of my faith that it is worth my time to spend in His presence.   

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am so glad that you are kindly disposed toward me.  When the answer is “no” I have confidence that you really do know what is best.  When the answer is delayed, I know it is for my good and your glory.  But until I know the answer, I am going to keep asking.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!