February 27, 2019 -- Luke 18:7-8 -- Will God find faith?

And will not God give 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 the earth?

Luke 18:7-8 ESV

This morning I was scanning some great quotations from many august scholars and great churchmen, luminaries of past decades and centuries. Words that might stir us up from our lethargy and waken the soul. The great soul-stirrer and luminary is Christ Himself. He taught us to pray without ceasing. He gave the parable of the unjust judge who refused to help a widow. Repeatedly she went to this judge until, finally, in exasperation, he grudgingly granted her request. The point Jesus made is this: we serve the Good Father, Giver of every good gift. Will we persist in prayer until He grants us what is just and good? Then the clincher: when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on earth?

Jesus’ warning is this: the faith of many falters and will not persist. Prayer is evidence of our faith.

Prayer that is faithful looks to Jesus asking Him to keep His promises. Continue the work You began, Jesus, to seek and save lost sinners.

Prayer that is urgent sees the world through the lens of the Bible—ruined, hell-bent, sinners rushing towards the flames and never-ending punishment of hell—all getting there by dodging Christ, ignoring His nail-scarred hands. Urgently Christians pray that Jesus will stop them and reach them and teach them of His love so that they repent and find in Christ alone life that is full and free.

Prayer that is focused will not fail. Jesus promised: ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be opened to you. By this teaching, coupled with what we read above, we are focused on believing what Jesus said and praying back to Him these promises and persistently asking until we see His answers. It is the glory of Christ to redeem sinners. It is the assured faith of redeemed sinners that prompts us to pray for the glory of Christ to be shown in the lives of those we love, in the lives of co-workers and friends, and in this world.

Prayer that is victorious is prayer flowing from the knowledge that God is not reluctant or impatient with those coming to Him. God is loving. God is willing. God is able to act and answer. He responds to the prayers of His people. The Spirit of God Himself lives in us. The Spirit of God prompts such victorious praying. The question is: are we praying? Do we listen to and obey the urging of the Spirit and the instruction of the Bible? Are we persisting in faithful prayer?

King Jesus forgive our lifeless prayers and our prayerless life! By Your Word and Spirit re-awaken in us a living, fiery passion that loves You and joyfully obeys You. Move us to prayer that is faithful, urgent, persistent and victorious—all that Your Word promises our conversation with You can be. Thank You, Jesus, that You have opened up to us the way to our Father in Heaven! In Him we have both mercy and justice. Thank You that You have our Father’s full attention and love and that You, Lord Jesus, bring to our Father all our needs and all our prayers, fumbling and feeble as they are. God of Glory move us from milk and baby foods, to hearty meals and the meat of truth that will fuel growing faith among Your people here on earth. Amen.