The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1-8

The Point:  Vs. 1 - "Always Pray & Not Give Up"

The Context:  (begins in Luke 17:20 - must know the setting before can apply the teaching) = 2nd. Coming, Establishment of Kingdom.

Before His Coming (prior to His return and establishing the Kingdom) - EXPECT
1)  injustice, unrighteousness, turmoil, unbelief
2)  delay
3)  doubts - (caused by the turmoil and the delay)

But also Expect ... His Return/Sudden Judgment and a setting right of all things!!

Illustration:  Noah - Luke 17:26-27
                  Lot - Luke 17:28-30

So, in Spite of the situation, circumstances, appearances - believers should "A.P.and N.G.Up" (always pray and not give up)

Compare:  Rev. 19:11 with Rev. 6:9-11
or,
2 Pet. 3:3-4, 8-11

Anybody serious about following the Lord will go through these times.  Going to have to fight, fight, fight upstream and not give up.

Three Questions by Way of Application:

#1.  Is this true of prayer in general?  ( should a.p. & n.g.u)
Answer:  Yes!!  Luke 11:5-13 - text following the Lord's Prayer

Application = Luke 11:9

God does not get annoyed by persistence. - He sees, hears, cares. unlike the unrighteous judge
God doesn't avoid petitions - He will respond  - unlike the annoyed neighbor
AS a Righteous judge, AS a Loving Father
         
He is delighted by persistence because He's the one to whom we should go!!

Question #2:  What about "Quickly"??  - Luke 18:8
Some suggestions:  A)  suddenly - as in His Return
                              B) quickly - according to His time frame - relative term - ( 2 Pet. 3:8-11  Rev. 3:11 )

On one hand, neither answer is satisfactory.
However, must remember:  1)  Prayer Remains a mystery.  (example:  if God is omniscient, omnipotent, why pray??0
Must also remember 2)  Prayer is a mystery but = a mystery with a Promise!!
James 5:16 (b)
There is no promise that the answer will be what we want, or that it will happen when we want, just promises that it will make a difference!!

Question #3:  (posed by Jesus) - Luke 18:8 (b) - in spite of situation, appearances, delay, doubts, will He find perseverance?

Isa. 62:6-7 (after the exile) - Context = Restoration of Israel and Jerusalem.
                                           Point = "Always Pray and Not Give Up"

Promises:  He cares and He responds.  He wants us to come persistently, knowing He will make it right.