Prayer Reveals Our Faith

 September 7, 2024

Saturday

I have a weird mind. When something pops into it, I must investigate that something. This morning, I reflected on a parable that I have blogged about in the past. Something clicked in my spirit to re-examine what Jesus taught. Here is the parable:

Luke 18:1-8 (ESV) ¹  And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. ²  He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. ³  And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ⁴  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, ⁵  yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” ⁶  And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. ⁷  And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? ⁸  I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

The purpose of this parable is stated: people ought to always pray and not lose heart. But at the conclusion of the parable Jesus asks: When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? My conclusion was: Persistent prayer comes from true faith. That is contrary to the actions of many Christians. Many would say: Real worry follows challenges to faith.

Many churches either have an elected group or a congregational meeting to decide issues at their churches. Most of them will give a financial report. It seems that none of them have prayed for their daily bread. They want enough money in the bank so that they don't need to pray at all. If there is sufficient funds, they want more. If the funds are sinking they say that they will "tighten their belts." When has anyone stopped and said, "This is a matter of prayer. Let's pray right now!" Faith in God recognizes that He is the One who will provide. If not, the church is depending upon marketing.

God is a just God. God answers prayers. He will provide when we follow Him. Acting on these statements reveals our faith. 

So, I ask a little different question. "When the Son of Man comes will He find faith in the church?" I believe this is the crux of the matter. Will He? Of course, this must start somewhere. How about you and me?