20 October 2019 - persist

 

Today's Readings

(Audio)

Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.

Jesus is teaching us about persistence in prayer. If the dishonest judge is willing to listen to the widow because she keeps after him how much more will God secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Yet we sometimes think of God as being more like the unjust judge, more or less indifferent to us, but occasionally persuaded to answer just to quiet us down. But this is not why Jesus calls us to persistence. It is not why it is necessary for us to pray always without becoming weary. The Father his a heart for his chosen ones. So why not instant gratification? Or better, since he knows what we need before we ask, why should we have to ask at all? Why not just smooth out the path of our lives before us, leaving nothing for us to desire?

God is training us. He is asking us elevate our desire for his promises so that they become unwavering even in the face of opposition. He is helping our hearts to become like his, who continued to call and to court us even when we opposed him outright.

proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

There isn't much in the building of the Kingdom that comes about without persistence and patience. The seed is sown and does not at once spring up. When we fight the battles the LORD permits in our lives are arms do grow weary. Yet we need to keep them raised in prayer and in worship.

As long as Moses kept his hands raised up,
Israel had the better of the fight

In this need of persistence we are meant to help one another and to support one another.

Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands,
one on one side and one on the other,
so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

Whether we are Joshua fighting, Aaron and Hur supporting, or Moses at prayer we need to fight the good fight of faith with the strength that comes from God. At times we will be called to all of these roles. Ultimately, none can succeed unless we play the parts to which we are called and persist until the battle is won.

My help is from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.