Persistence

Luke 11:5-8; 18:1-8  

Luke 11:8 "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs". As I understand it, this portion of scripture separates between the relationship we have with God as Christians and those who, in their fellowship and intimacy with Him, continue to come to Him for who He is, for He is the bread of life(John 6:48) and the bread that came down from heaven (John 6:41).

Luke 18:5-8 "yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me".  Jesus then advises us to "hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes will He really find faith on the earth?"

We should not be content with just a distant relationship with God (I say this to those who have been justified by the Blood of Jesus Christ). We must understand that "continual coming" to God through church fellowship, bible study and prayer will be met with all the bread of life that you need- Jesus Himself.

Some time ago, I felt the Lord put this message into prayer-form as a blessing for me to confess. "If you will continue to come and cry out to Me for Me day and night even though I bear long with you, I will give you all the bread of life that you need (all of Him that you need which is more than enough) and avenge you for My righteous cause". This would be a good confession for any Christian.

The final sentence asks how much faith Jesus will find when He comes. How many will He find who are willing to continue to come, to cry out to Him for Him even though He bears long with them in what He said He would do for those who diligently seek Him!

If you would like to discuss this or any previous messages, please feel free to call me, George Harlow. (609)312-1178