| We entertain thoughts like these on a regular basis: | | | | I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. |
| "I wonder what he's getting at?" | | | | However, when the Son of man comes, will he find |
| "If she is going where I think she's going, I..." | | | | faith on earth?" (Luke18:6-9) |
| "So what's the point of all this?" | | | | CLEAR AND SIMPLE, BUT PERSONALLY |
| "I wonder if they even know what they're saying!" | | | | CONVICTING |
| When it comes to the art of communication, | | | | As I mulled over the purpose of the parable, I recorded |
| understanding becomes crucial: especially when the | | | | a few summary concepts which I now hand off to |
| stakes are high. | | | | you for your reflection. |
| During high stake times "mind games" become irritating | | | | Answering the question, "How does this look in my |
| instead of enjoyable, and we aren't interested in visiting | | | | world?", I wrote down: |
| our psychology 101 notes in order to discover what is | | | | 1. I pray |
| "really" being said. | | | | 2. I pray as a discipline |
| We just want "to know." | | | | 3. I don't give up (even when others get up and go) |
| That's why I often appreciate a down to earth, straight | | | | A few related QUESTIONS then found their way into |
| forward comment of this nature: | | | | my notes. |
| "Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that | | | | 1. "What do I care enough about to be *persistent" in |
| they should always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1)** | | | | prayer for?" |
| The statement is, in one sense, refreshing. | | | | 2. "Am I developing a lifestyle that is moving away |
| Years of study don't need to be spent discerning the | | | | from -- or nearer to -- this goal (i.e. that of praying, |
| correct meaning and biblical application of those | | | | praying as a discipline, and not giving up). |
| eighteen words! | | | | 3. "What would it take for me to be able to say: |
| Clear? Yes. | | | | I'm one of those. |
| Simple? No doubt. | | | | I'm one of those people who pray and don't give up?" |
| But easy to apply? | | | | 4. "If the Lord were to come at the end of the next 30 |
| Hardly. | | | | days, would he find this kind of 'pray and not give up |
| LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PARABLE | | | | faith' in the sector of earth I inhabit each day?" |
| The parable goes something like this... | | | | AND NOW... |
| A judge who doesn't give a rip about God or anyone | | | | I am continuing to work through *before the Lord* my |
| else hears -- on a *very* regular basis -- the cry of a | | | | responses to the questions I created. |
| widow who pleads for a just ruling in her favor. | | | | The same exercise may prove valuable to you as |
| Time and again she approaches the bench. | | | | well. |
| Time after time she asks for mercy. | | | | I would encourage you to read the parable, make |
| Can't you hear him? | | | | notes, design your own questions, and interact with the |
| "I tell ya, this gal is driving me nuts. Doesn't she ever | | | | One whose desire for us is to "always pray and not |
| give up? | | | | give up." |
| You think she'd get the picture: I don't care!" | | | | Enjoy your time of learning from Jesus, |
| However, the man finally crumbles beneath the weight | | | | Lee |
| of her constant appeals: "I will see that she gets justice, | | | | **All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, |
| so that she won't eventually wear me out with her | | | | are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW |
| coming." (Luke 18:5) | | | | INTERNATIONAL VERSIONÆ. NIVÆ. |
| Then Jesus delivers the PostScript. He says: | | | | Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible |
| "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God | | | | Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights |
| bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to | | | | reserved. |
| him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? | | | | |