Pray and Don't Lose Heart

Leading up to the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, Christ addressed the Second Coming (Luke 17). Jesus knew that between the time of His death and His Second Coming, His disciples would face persecution, trials, and tribulations. Living for Christ in this world is not easy. Jesus knew that we would need to pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17) so that we wouldn’t lose heart.

Jesus was teaching more than persistence in prayer. He was contrasting the character of an unjust judge with the just God.

1. God is not like the unrighteous judge. (Luke 18:2-5)

• The unjust judge had no fear of God and no respect for man.
• The unjust judge had regard only for himself.

2. God is a Righteous Judge. (Luke 18:6-8)

• The character of our Righteous Judge is shown in the Scripture:

- God is the opposite of the unjust judge. He is righteous, holy, loving, just, compassionate, and merciful. (Ezra 9:15; Isaiah 6:3; 1 John 4:16)

• As children of the Righteous Judge, the Scripture says:

- We are chosen by God. (Ephesians 1; 1 Peter 2:9)

- We are heard by God.

- We will be vindicated by God.

- We are to live in anticipation of His return and not lose heart. (Luke 18:8)