Our parable today is quite short, because prayer is never merely about the words we say. Prayer is an approach to God. It is a posture of the soul before the Lord of heaven and earth. Our parable involves two men, two prayers, and two postures. Two men in the right place, at the right time, doing what appears to be the right thing.
Tag Archives: Parable
Persisting in Hopeful Prayer
If you wonder what our passage is about today, wonder no more. Luke tells us pointedly: “[Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (18:1). But in addition to knowing what this parable is about, we also ought to ask: Why is this here, in this specific place in Luke’s Gospel? What has happened up to this point that would lead Jesus to provide this parable?
The Sown Word
In the tenth chapter of Romans, the apostle Paul describes the necessity of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, as “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” One cannot believe the gospel if one does not hear it, in various ways and various forms, and one cannot hear it unless it is shared or proclaimed. Hearing then is necessary for salvation, but hearing is not enough. The gospel must be truly believed, yet not all who hear believe.
Awaiting the Bridegroom
Stories are indeed powerful, as we see in this simple parable. But more powerful than a parable is the reality of Christ’s presence within all who believe.
Hope in Those (These) Days
“For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52), conformed in glory to the image of our Lord. Until that day in these days, let us encourage one another with the Word of Christ, for it will never pass away.
Faith Comes from Hearing
Through our union with Christ we bear fruit. There may be varying yields according to God’s grace, but a true disciple is identified by bearing it.
Planter, Pastor, Preacher 