Pray and Don’t Give Up

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from myadversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
—Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV)

In almost every town in Mississippi, there’s an informal gathering place where the latest political issues are discussed in detail. Men gather at restaurants, convenience stores, farm supply centers, or coffee shops. Women congregate at salons or talk at grocery stores. If you want to hear the latest gossip or opinions on current events, just show up and listen up when these informal gatherings are convened. If you do, you will probably hear someone say, “This country is in a mess!” Well, in many ways that is true. Foreign threats to our peace, financial uncertainty, and rampant
immorality indicate that our world is in chaos, confusion, disarray…a mess.

Many people see no hope for their communities and nation to be pleasing to God. But, does talking about problems seem to solve them? What should we be doing aswe live in this cluttered world?

During his ministry, Jesus traveled in a similarly messy world. His people, the Jews, were oppressed by a foreign government. Rome had hand-picked the ruler of the land, King Herod, who was mentally unstable and violent. He had killed his wife out of jealousy. Most religious leaders were more concerned about what they could get from people than what they could do to help the hurting folks around them. Widows were mistreated. Children were
ignored. Due to their self-interest, Jewish tax collectors were robbing their own people. What a mess!

To instruct his followers on how to live in an unstable world, Jesus told a simple story. This type of story is referred to as a parable. You will find an introduction to the story, the details of the parable, and the truths Jesus stressed in explaining the parable in the Gospel of Luke (18:1-8).

I. Conclusion of the Parable (v.1)

Please note that Luke was compelled by the Holy Spirit to tell us why Jesus told the
parable. He said that the Son of God told the story to remind us that “men
always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Sounds like a story we need to hear
today.

WEMUST PRAY AND NOT GIVE UP.

II. Characters of the Parable (v.2-5)
As you just read, the story features an unjust judge, who was not concerned about
God or what other men thought of him. The judge was asked by a desperate widow
to rule in her favor against someone who had become an adversary. The judge
delayed making a decision. But, finally he decided to rule in her favor in
order to keep her from, as a modern translation reads, “wearing me out.”
·
AN UNGODLY JUDGE MADE THE RIGHT JUDGEMENT.
·
A PERSISTENT WIDOW RECEIVED JUSTICE.

III. Comfort from the Parable (6-8a)

Jesus stressed that a hefty lesson could be learned from the actions of this unjust
judge. If an ungodly man can do what is right, certainly God will answer
believers who cry out to him day and night? Jesus asked, “Will he keep putting
them off?” Of course, he will not. God has done mind-blowing things to prove he
loves us (See John 3:16). He does not like the mess sin has caused in this
world, but He will not abandon His people who are willing to be used by Him to
be transforming instruments by sharing the love of God with unbelievers.

IF UNGODLY PEOPLE CAN MAKE RIGHT JUDGEMENTS, WE CAN BE ASSURED THAT THE PERFECT GOD OF THE UNIVERSE WILL HEAR AND ANSWER OUR PRAYERS ACCORDING TO WHAT IS BEST FOR US.

IV. Challenge of the Parable (8b)

Notably, Jesus demanded a decision from his listeners. He referenced the promise that He, the Son of Man, would return to the world someday and He questioned “Will He really find faith on the earth?” In other words, if Jesus returned today, how many faithful and prayerful men would He find busy trying to make a difference for God? Or will He find church people who are all talk and no action?

WE MUST BE FAITHFUL TO THE END

Summary

In a world where economic challenges are leaving many jobless and individuals living on fixed incomes are worried about their financial futures, we must pray and not give up.

In a world where many activities the Bible clearly calls sin are celebrated and flaunted, we must pray and not give up.

In a world where political unrest and violent terrorist attacks face, we must pray and not give up.

In a world where most people are facing an eternity without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we must pray and not give up.

Pray, Rain or Shine

On Feb. 1, several folks gathered to pray at East Lawn Baptist in spite of a storm moving into the area.While I believe it was prudent for many people to stay home during such horrible weather, I do appreciate those that ventured out into the severe weather. God protected us and the rally was a blessing. However, if we are to really “cover” Mississippi in prayer and, especially, Jackson County, we must understand that we have to do more than just attend meetings. We are commanded in the scriptures to “Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17).” For me, this means to continually be in a state of prayer. So, with eyes and hearts open, we must prayerfully see our communities and obediently respond as God leads to the needs around us.

One prayer I am praying is that during our spring and Summer Ministries we will see many accept Christ. You can help us. Why not organize a “Prayer Walking Team” in your church and commit to praying over the ministry sites where visiting mission teams will serve? If interested, contact us and we, will connect you with a site.

Remember, we must pray, come rain or shine.

If...

In evaluating history, many “what if” scenarios have intrigued students and researchers. What if Hitler’s Germany had won World War II? What if John F. Kennedy had not been assassinated? What if Booth's bullet had missed Abraham Lincoln? What if Harry Truman's opponent, Thomas Dewey, had received one vote more per precinct in Ohio and California in the 1948 U. S. Presidential Election?

Sportswriters like to entertain the thoughts of what could have been. Repeatedly broadcasters have mused that if in the last football season kicker Kyle Brotzman had not missed a 26-yard field goal with 2 seconds left in regulation, and another from 29 yards in overtime, Boise State would have defeated Nevada, won their 25th straight football game, and possibly played for the national championship this year.

However, history is history. We cannot change the past, but the Bible contains a big “if” that, if we are obedient to the challenge, will change our future. The Lord appeared to Solomon and promised him that “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chr 7:14, KJV).” God keeps his promises. I believe his promise remains true. Will you commit to pray daily for yourself, your leaders, and your unsaved neighbors? Can you imagine what would happen if...