“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” – Luke 18:7
In the year before I began seminary, I went to work selling cars. I sold cars and trucks at a Ford store. It was a challenging and rewarding experience that taught me so much about life and work. I still remember going to lunch on my first week of work with the finance manager, who I had known since high school.
While we were at lunch, he told me something that I have never forgotten. He told me that selling cars was not easy, it required hard work and patience. He also told me that each morning, before he went to work, he would pray that God would give him an opportunity, that day, to make a sale. He told me he prayed that every day, sometimes more than once. It was an inspiration to hear his story and to see faith in action, even on a car lot.
Jesus tells a parable that echoes what my friend taught me. Jesus describes a distant town where a widow is struggling with a legal issue. The judge in this town seems indifferent to her cause. The widow is persistent and eventually persuades the judge to rule in her favor. Jesus makes it clear, as he teaches, that if this judge, who does not care for people, will provide justice for this woman, how much more will God bring about good things for God’s people.
Discipline is needed in the prayer life of a disciple. To be consistent and determined in our prayer is necessary. This has been a great challenge in my life. There have been times when I find it easy to pray. I am focused and steady. There have been times when I neglect the wonderful gift of prayer. When I read this wonderful parable from Luke’s gospel, I am reminded of the need and the benefits of consistent prayer.
Jesus asked the people a challenging question, “And will not God bring about Justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” This question reminds us of our need to pray consistently, to turn to God for our needs. God is one who cares and will do good for his people. Prayer will lighten our load and offer us an opportunity to connect with the One who will grant us life, abundant and full.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
