What is the meaning of Luke chapter 18 1-8?

What is the meaning of Luke chapter 18 1-8?

Answer

The judgments and descisions of flesh-and-blood man are primarily based upon the "physical data" conveyed to our brain and intellect by our five "physical senses." But, Jesus Christ is forever revealing to His flesh-and-blood servants through His Word... and His parables... SPIRITUAL lessons; illuminating and awakening the intellectual awareness of the "spirit" within each of us:

"Faith" is spiritual... it's a GIFT that God gives to His servants by His Grace; not something we conjure up ourselves:

 Luke 18:1-8 a lesson in Faith

 

Luke 18:1-8 is a lesson of "perseverance"... of not giving up [quitting] on the invisible Spirit that the limitations of our physical eyes can't see.

"What is Faith? It is the confident assurance that what we Hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." (Heb.11:1 NLT)

In man's court of law, physical "evidence" is presented upon which a Judge, through his sight and hearing, bases his ruling. In the case of this parable... the bizzare "evidence" introduced into the record is FAITH -- something that no court would normally consider... yet, which is the only important evidence needed in the court of the Judge of the Universe.

"...the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD...shall make Him of quick Understanding... and He shall not Judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with Righteousness shall He Judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth..." (Isa.11:2-4 KJV).

"...All God's people are praying people. Here earnest steadfastness in prayer for spiritual mercies is taught. The widow's earnestness prevailed even with the unjust judge: she might fear lest it should set him more against her; but our earnest prayer [through Faith] is pleasing to our God. 

The word “prayer” is the common Greek word meaning to petition, pray.  Jesus is teaching continual prayer, again and again, rather than continuous, non-stop prayer.  To pray without ceasing is to pray repeatedly, time and again.  Jesus teaches clearly that we are to continue to pray until we receive the answer.  That continued prayer is not a sign of little faith, but of persistent faith.  The danger is that we get discouraged and quit praying.

God’s will is swayed by persistent prayer.  In Psalm 18:6-16, David recounts how God interceded with earthquakes, smoke, and fire to answer David’s fervent prayer.

When we do not persevere in the faith, we give Satan an opportunity to accuse us, and the people of the world have reason to revile us

At all times we ought to pray – pray without ceasing.

We are not to lose heart and to give up on prayer.

We need a proper view of God:

God cares for us

God never delays answers because of a lack of care or a lack of power.

God’s delays are always for our good, even if the reasons are hidden from us.

God ultimately will bring swift and certain justice for His elect

We need a proper view of ourselves:

We are often grieved by mistreatment and difficult trials.

We should persistently bring our heartfelt needs to God.

We must trust Him even when the answers are delayed.

We can trust Him because we know that we are His elect.

When to stop praying for something that God isn’t granting.  It’s not an easy question.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit may say, “Stop asking; My grace is sufficient for you.”  Sometimes He gives us an inner assurance that the request will be granted, and so we can shift from praying to praising Him for the answer.  Sometimes He removes the burden from our hearts and we move on to other requests.  The Lord told Jeremiah to stop praying for disobedient Israel, because He had determined judgement for them. (Jer. 11:14)

But often, He wants us, like this nagging widow, to keep on asking until we receive what we need.  God isn’t like this reluctant judge.  He cares for us and is more than ready to grant our requests when He knows that we are ready to receive the answer.  So keep on praying and don’t lose heart.  He will bring about justice for you speedily, according to His timetable, not yours or ours.