Luke 18.1-7 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 my adversary. 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. 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?
Chapter divisions can interrupt the flow and meaning of God’s Word. This parable of Jesus commanding diligent, vigilant praying is in the context of His Second Coming.
Hear what Jesus is saying, beloved. Diligent, vigilant prayer is the distinctive characteristic of His elect. The bride of Christ is a praying bride. Those who endure to the end are a praying people.
It is commonly understood that the reason for the judgment of God in the days of Lot and Sodom was the homosexual sin out in the open. That may be partially true. But take notice beloved that back in Luke 17.28, Jesus doesn’t mention sodomy as the sole reason of what characterized Sodom just before its destruction. In fact, what Jesus does mention is that they ate, drank, bought, sold, planted, built. Judgment didn’t come upon Sodom merely because it had practicing homosexuals in it, but also because all the good, ordinary activities of life were godless.
It has been keenly observed that the good things in life can make us just as insensitive to the reality of God as the gross things in life can. How can we stay in intimate fellowship with Jesus in this fallen world? How can we remain abiding in Jesus when we are surrounded by so many flesh appealing attractions? How can we remain fervent in Christ and not be overcome by the day in and day out routine of everyday living? The answer of Jesus is simple. Diligent, fervent prayer and communion with our great and Good Father.
