Series Introduction: 

This morning, we will continue our sermon series on the Parables of Jesus. Our focus today is on the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, an ever-timely parable that reminds us both of God's heart towards us in the midst of our suffering and need and the power of persistent prayer. 

Scripture Reading:

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" - Luke 18:1-8, ESV. 

Opening Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, as we gather here today, we come before You with hearts open and ready to receive Your word. Help us to understand the depth of our relationship with You, the importance of continual communication, and the steadfastness required as we await the return of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May our spirits be enlightened and our faith strengthened as we delve into Your Holy Word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

In the parable of the persistent widow, we encounter a woman who is vulnerable yet persevering in her demand for justice. Her story is an illustration of unwavering faith and tenacity. We are encouraged to ask, persistence can move the heart of the unjust, how much more can it open the floodgates of grace from a God whose very nature is love and justice? 

In the face of our adversary, our prayers become the battleground where the victory of Christ's redemption is claimed time and again. Our persistent prayers are not just petitions but declarations of faith, affirming that God's vindication is swift, His love unending, and His justice absolute. Let us, therefore, be steadfast in our prayers, unwavering in our faith, and vigilant in our hope, knowing that our cries for vindication are heard by a God who is not only just but is the very definition of justice and mercy.

The Need for Persistent Prayer

One detail about this parable that stands out to me is how, before we even read the parable, Luke tells us what Jesus was teaching through the parable.

"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." - Luke 18:1, ESV.

Luke was aware that his readers might misunderstand the parable of the persistent widow. Therefore, from the beginning, he wanted to clarify that this parable was about the importance of persistent and continuous prayer. 

Through the parable, Christ teaches that prayer is meant to be a persistent, continual conversation with God. This persistence in prayer is not about the quantity or the eloquence of words but the condition of the heart—a heart that is fully dependent on God, acknowledging His sovereignty in all circumstances. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice from the unjust judge is a metaphor for the believer's relentless pursuit of God in prayer. Just as the widow was rewarded for her persistence, believers are assured that their continuous prayers are not in vain; they have a righteous Judge who, unlike the unjust judge, is compassionate and just.

Moreover, this passage underscores the necessity of steadfastness and endurance, especially as believers live in the tension of the "already" and the "not yet"—the kingdom of God that is both present and future. In a world rife with distractions and discouragements, praying persistently is a call to maintain a posture of spiritual readiness and alertness. It's about nurturing a spirit that constantly seeks God's presence, guidance, and intervention in every aspect of life.

In our fast-paced society, patience has become a forgotten virtue as people crave instant results and quick solutions. Our modern culture can make it seem like the biblical emphasis on patience is outdated. However, for believers, patience is not just a virtue to admire but a critical discipline to cultivate. Patience involves intentionally aligning ourselves with God's timing, embracing periods of waiting as opportunities for growth, deepening our faith, and resisting societal pressures that equate speed with success. By nurturing patience, we not only reflect the character of God but also develop resilience and a faith that stands firm against the fleeting demands of the world.

We often forget that patience is a component of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). When the Apostle Paul wrote to the first Christian churches in the New Testament, he frequently listed patience and endurance as necessary virtues to be faithful Christ-follower: 

"...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy" - Colossians 1:10-11, ESV

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" - Colossians 3:12, ESV.

Whether in church life (Ephesians 4:2), leadership (2 Timothy 4:2), or personal relationships (1 Corinthians 13:4), godly patience and perseverance are essential elements of the Christian faith. However, the actual test of patience and longsuffering comes in the form of waiting on the Lord in the "already" and the "not yet" times in which we find ourselves. Patience, for the Christ follower, represents a divine strength that empowers believers to persist in prayer, await the Lord's intervention, and endure challenges.

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." - James 5:7-8, ESV.

The parable of the persistent widow aligns with the broader biblical narrative that positions patience as an essential element of a believer's life. This narrative encourages us to patiently receive God's word, exhibit love patiently, and steadfastly anchor our faith and hope in God's promises. 

"And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." - Hebrews 6:11-12, ESV.

The Unrighteous Judge and the Persistent Widow

Our parable begins by describing an unjust judge: 

"In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man." - Luke 18:2, EV 

The judge notorious for his corruption and moral indifference. He shows no respect for humanity and has no fear of God. This judge starkly contrasts the Biblical standards for judges, which emphasize the importance of impartial justice and the fear of God. According to the scriptures, judges should represent God's justice on earth and possess excellent moral and spiritual qualities. 

"[The King] appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, "Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes." - 2 Chronicles 19:5-7, ESV. 

However, the judge in the parable only operates based on self-interest and lacks these qualities.

In contrast, the widow, a figure of vulnerability, displays remarkable persistence, repeatedly approaching the judge and demanding justice against her adversary. 

"And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'" - Luke 18:3, ESV. 

The widow represents a vulnerable and marginalized segment of society, exemplifying the challenges that widows face in a society where legal systems favored the affluent and powerful. Widows, who often lacked financial means, social status, and familial support, had to navigate systemic injustices just to seek a fair hearing. The widow's resilience and unceasing petitions highlight the significance of steadfastness in faith and prayer. Despite the lack of societal resources, the widow's persistent appeals to the unjust judge demonstrate the importance of keeping faith and praying without ceasing.

As believers, we sometimes feel helpless when faced with situations where our efforts seem to fall short and justice seems out of reach. But in those moments, we have a powerful tool at our disposal - persistent prayer.

Throughout the Scriptures, we see the principle of persistence in prayer demonstrated time and time again. We should approach prayer with a heart deeply engaged with God, persistently seeking His will, and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. The Scriptures also offer us numerous examples of how persistence in prayer can transform lives and situations. Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33) demonstrates how earnest, persistent prayer can impact the heart of God. Jacob's encounter at Peniel, where he wrestles with God and insists on a blessing (Genesis 32:24-32), symbolizes the determination and zeal that should characterize our prayer lives. Similarly, Moses' unyielding intercession for Israel (Deuteronomy 9:25-29), Hannah's heartfelt pleas for a son (1 Samuel 1:10-11), and Elijah's persistent prayer for rain (James 5:17-18) all underscore the transformative power of persevering in prayer. Moreover, the ultimate model of persistence in prayer is found in the life of Jesus Christ. His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42-44, Matthew 26:36-43, Mark 14:32-40) reveals the agony and earnestness with which the Son pursued the Father's will, setting an example for all believers to follow.

And when we find ourselves waiting on God to act, we can take comfort in the fact that waiting is an active, expectant, and faithful posture. We can look to the scriptures that remind us that God is always at work, even when we can't see it.

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." - Micah 7:7, ESV.

As we seek God's will and justice, we can trust that our prayers are heard by a compassionate and just God who is able and willing to act on our behalf.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry." - Psalm 40:1, ESV.

While the world offers various means to seek justice for believers, persistent prayer remains our most powerful resource. As we persist in prayer, we do so with the assurance that our prayers are not in vain, but are received by a God who is both able and willing to act on behalf of those who diligently seek Him.

The Lesson on Persevering Prayer

In Luke 18:6-7, we find that eventually, the judge gave in to the widow's demands, not because he was righteous, but because he was tired of the widow's persistence. In contrast with the unjust judge, God is portrayed as a righteous Judge who is always ready to act on behalf of His people. His response to our prayers is not based on weariness or irritation but on His faithfulness to His promises. We should persist in acknowledging God's sovereignty, trusting in His timing, and resting in the assurance that He hears and responds to our cries.

This parable also urges us to contemplate the concept of divine justice, which is distinct from human justice and can be influenced by partiality, corruption, or delays. God's justice is always precise, timely, and in accordance with His will. It operates in the realm of divine wisdom and knowledge, which surpasses human comprehension.

Moreover, the passage reminds believers to pray persistently, approaching the throne of grace with boldness, consistency, and unwavering faith.

Now, it would be a mistake to think that God will answer any prayer if we pray with enough perseverance. God's ultimate will and purposes are unchangeable, but that does not mean that God does not allow some things to happen or not happen purely in response to prayer.  

The Apostle Paul wrestled with a "thorn in the flesh" for years. We do not know what this "thorn" refers to, but we do know that God did not remove it from Paul's life. From prison, the Apostle wrote: 

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, ESV. 

God did not answer Paul's prayer in the way he hoped. So Paul rightly concluded that if God was not going to remove it, there must be a good purpose in allowing the "thorn" to persist. 

The Apostle Peter came to a similar conclusion when asked why Jesus doesn't simply return to earth and fix the problems in the world:

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9, ESV. 

Here is a hard truth to swallow, but it will change your life for the better if you can swallow it. When you bring your requests to God, do so with the hopeful expectation that God will hear and answer your prayers, but also remember that God is all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-wise. In his infinite wisdom, he may not answer your prayer as you would like him to, which is a good thing (even if we can not understand how on this side of eternity). God sees the road that all paths lead down, whereas we can only see what is immediately in front of us. This is why we must have faith.

Whenever I talk about persistent prayer, my mind goes to the years when the pandemic was at its peak. That was a dark and stressful time for many reasons, but on top of everything else going on in the world, it was also the time when Juli and I lost our first two babies in the womb. With our first baby, whom we posthumously named April, we waited to tell everyone until we were past the period where most miscarriages occur. Several weeks after the big announcement was made and everyone had given their congratulations, Juli could tell something was wrong. I told her it was probably nothing, but once we went to the doctor, she confirmed that we had lost the baby. It is such a strange experience to grieve a baby you never held. People do not know how to comfort you, and you do not get the closure of a funeral or a burial. You just had a baby one day, with all the excitement, hopes, and dreams that come with it, and then you don't. 

Eventually, God blessed us with a second baby. After the last experience, we decided to cover this second baby in prayer from day one. We asked everyone for prayers of protection and agreed that we would give God all the glory once this baby was born. I can't explain how confident I was that this baby would be safe and secure. I foolishly convinced myself that if I prayed hard enough and often enough, God surely would not allow anything to happen to this baby. It was just a few days before Christmas when we went to the doctor for a check-up and learned that there was no heartbeat in the womb. I admit that it felt unnecessarily cruel that during the season when the world was celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus, we were silently grieving another child we would never hold. 

During this dark and challenging season of life, when Juli and I felt our prayers were going unanswered and when we were tempted to question God's goodness and timing, a passage we clung to and used as our constant prayer was Luke 11:11-13: 

"What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:11-13, ESV.

We told God over and over again how heavy our hearts were with grief. We told him that we felt we had been dealt serpents and scorpions, and we did not understand why. We prayed for strength to believe that God was good even if we struggled to see the goodness in our frailty. To this day, I still do not know why two of my children entered glory before I was able to hold them in my arms. I probably will not know until I am on the other side with them, looking back on my journey of faith. I do know that my prayer life was never stronger than it was in that pit of despair when prayer was all I had. I do know that the person who came out of that pit is a different person and that my faith is stronger as a result. I know that God eventually blessed me with a beautiful baby girl that I can hold in my arms, and even if I can't answer all the how or why questions, I can stand before you and confidently say, "God is good."

Living Out the Call to Persistent Prayer 

But why persist in prayer if the answer might still be "no"? God gave me a daughter, and I thank Him for her every day. However, I know that some people never get what they pray for. Is there a reason to persist in prayer if we are not guaranteed the thing we pray for?

Firstly, I would remind you that while the answer might be "no," the answer might also be "yes." While there are moments in scripture where God, in his infinite wisdom, did not grant the specific requests of someone's prayers, there are many other examples of God intervening in miraculous ways because of prayer. 

In the New Testament, the Apostle James bluntly declares: 

"You do not have because you do not ask God." - James 4:2b, ESV. 

James then clarifies in the next verse that when we pray, we ought not pray for selfish things that we only desire for our own pleasure; however, the point remains that there are things that are in God's will and for our good that are denied us simply because we never thought to ask for them. 

Secondly, regardless of whether God answers our prayer in the way we hoped, there is always something to be gained through the act of praying itself, an act that deepens our relationship with God and fortifies our faith.

Persistent prayer is a personal and ongoing dialogue with God that helps deepen our relationship with Him. During these moments of prayerful communion, we can understand God's heart, align our will with His, and find peace in His presence, regardless of the answers we receive. Sometimes, continual prayer transforms us, our character, and faith, even if we don't receive what we pray for.

Persistent prayer can also be a powerful tool in fostering unity and strength within a church community. When believers come together in prayer, they share a common ground of hope and faith. This unity in prayer not only upholds each individual in their faith journey but also builds a collective resilience against challenges faced by the community. 

The early church exemplified this principle where whe read that "with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14, ESV). Coming together in prayer became the foundation of their communal life and mission. Whether in individual or corporate contexts, we are called to continue in prayer, not as a means to an end, but as an expression of unyielding faith and trust in God's sovereignty. 

In Luke 18:8, Jesus concludes the parable of the persistent widow by emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to justice and His responsiveness to the persistent prayers of His people. 

"I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily." - Luke 18:8a, ESV. 

 God is the righteous judge who delights in acting justly and swiftly on behalf of His faithful ones. Therefore, believers must maintain steadfast faith and persistent prayer, trusting that God hears their cries and will respond in His perfect timing. The assurance of God's faithfulness and responsiveness serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement, affirming that their prayers are not in vain but are heard and valued by a compassionate and just God. Remember that God is always listening and will respond at the right time.

Jesus concludes his parable with a hypothetical question: 

"Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" - Luke 18:8b, ESV. 

This question challenges us to evaluate both our faith and our prayer life, particularly as we wait for the return of Christ. The story of the persistent widow teaches us to maintain an active faith that consistently seeks God, relying on His impeccable timing and justice. It motivates us to remain unwavering in our trust in God's faithfulness and to continue praying, with the assurance that He hears us.

As we conclude our message, let us ask ourselves this vital question: If Christ were to come back today, would He find faith on earth? Would He find us living by faith and persistently praying? Would He find us like the persistent widow, never giving up and never surrendering, even when the odds seemed against us? Lord, give us faith and teach us to pray. 

Closing Prayer

Father God, as we conclude our time together, we thank You for the lessons learned and the wisdom imparted through Your word. May these truths resonate within our hearts, instilling in us the virtues of persistence, faith, and unwavering trust in Your divine timing. As we go forth, let us carry the torch of continuous prayer, lighting the path for ourselves and others, standing firm in faith until the triumphant return of Christ. May our prayers be a sweet aroma to You, and may we always be reminded of Your boundless mercy, love, and justice. We ask for Your guidance and blessing as we depart, and may we continue to seek Your presence in every moment of our lives. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.