Words of Jesus Part 41

Some verses are skipped only because they were discussed in the "words of Jesus" in Matthew or Mark.

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

If those who regard not God and those that do not really care about us as individuals will answer a petition by someone who is persistent, how much more will God answer us when we seek Him diligently?

When we pray, we are not to give up or faint. We are to be persistent and patient. We live in an instant world with quick fixes but God is not like the world and does not operate according to our time table. However, God is always on time when He does answer. I've never known God to be late.

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

God is faithful to us but how many will He find faithful when He returns?

Are we quick to turn aside after Satan? Are we quick to follow every fad and gimmick that comes down the pike? Are we quick to forsake sound doctrine to have unity? Does getting along with others mean more to us than being faithful to God's word? Do we lay aside sound doctrine to please the crowds? Do we compromise principles to make money? Are we full of unbelief? When Jesus comes will He find us walking in the faith the apostles taught? Will He find us walking in the way Jesus taught? Are we going to way of the crowds or the straight and narrow?

Why did the Lord ask that question? Will He find us faithful when He returns?

We see different situations in the churches throughout the ages. One type of church is one that has sound teachings but instead of sharing that word with love, they have shut up the word and allowed themselves to be full of pride despising those that do not live up to their standards. Many times these will add to the word of God and make the way too hard.

An opposite extreme are those that want big numbers, money and prestige. They forsake sound doctrine and teach with jokes and stories to please the crowds and make their numbers swell. The gospel is watered down and compromised.

Will He find true faith on the earth at His return?

This short part of the verse really touches my heart. We must not get careless with the word of God and strive also to retain compassion for the lost and compassion for our fellow believers in Jesus Christ. A good study of church history and the bible will open our eyes to how easily many stray away when we don't hold dear to the word of God. If we forsake sound doctrine, sin and unbelief enters the church.

When we lose our first love and our zeal to win the lost, we lose our compassion and love. We need both. If we love without staying true to the word, we gain friends but the gospel is watered down and scarcely few are really saved from sin. If we stick to the word rigidly without maintaining love and compassion, our words are a waste of time. No one will want to hear us. Actually staying true to the word will accomplish both because Jesus teaches both.

We need to read the 13th chapter of Corinthians along with Jude, the letters to the churches in Revelation and of course all the scriptures to see how balanced the word is in love and truth. We don't have to add to the word or take away from that word. It is all there to teach us both love and sound doctrine.

Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

This truth Jesus has taught over and over again to remind us the necessity of being humble. He uses children, he teaches parables and even washes His disciples feet to show us that have the attitude of a servant and in honor preferring one another esteeming the other better than ourselves. Pride, self-exaltation, self-righteousness, holier than thou, prejudice, and even self-esteem is not taught in the scriptures. Preferred is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. - Dorna

Words of Jesus Part 42

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