As Persistent as Possible, As Content as Necessary

Scripture Verse that Caught My attention today: Luke 18:7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?

Observation: Jesus has different things to say in terms of prayer and/or requests made of him.

Application: First, the story of Esther from today’s reading of Esther chapters 3-8 is really good reading. It’s quite a story that flows quickly, is filled with irony and, to top it off, has a happy ending too (at least for Esther and her people). If you have to choose between reading the entry that follows or reading Esther, I’d suggest Esther (especially since I never know what I’m going to write until I do so).

At any rate, last weekend I preached on Luke 17:5-6 where the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith did not do so. Instead, depending on your interpretation of the passage, he either suggested that they should have more faith than they do or that they should simply use the faith that they already have. He does not, however, grant their request or, as some would say, answer their prayer.

In contrast, the passage above presents a God who responds to persistent cries…and in quick fashion. Which way is it?

I’m not sure we can ever know…at least in this life. At times it would seem that persistence pays off—wearing God down to the point of compliance. Other times it just seems to wear us out. And we seldom, if ever, know ahead of time which way it will be in our case.

Perhaps that’s just as well. Let us simply be as persistent as possible and as content as necessary. Nothing less and nothing more.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thanks for inviting us to pray change and inviting us, at times, to stay content. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Scripture Readings today included: Esther 3-8 and Luke 18)