[Propertalk] Gospel sermon bits for October 17 - Part 3

[Joe Parrish]

 I believe here it is not the persistence of the widow which is in focus, but rather the character of God which inspires and rewards persistence.
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God is good. God is righteous and just. God does not need to be forced to bring about justice by His saints. God has promised to do so, and He will. His love of justice, His love for His own (and His compassion for the oppressed) predispose Him to act to bring about justice. It is this positive aspect of His character which promotes the perseverance of the saints in prayer, while it is the very wickedness of the unjust judge which required the same perseverance from the widow. The character of God is our motivation not to lose heart and to press on in prayer for His coming and for the establishment of justice on the earth.

http://bible.org/seriespage/piety-persistence-penitence-and-prayer-luke-181-14

Biblical Studies Foundation 
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In the latter part of the First Century, Peter wrote:
  "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.... 

  "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-10)
When Jesus comes it will be at the right time. Not our time or our preference, but God's -- the right time. 

http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/18_1-8.htm

Ralph F. Wilson
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We don't often see the results of our effort right away. Indeed, as I have lived longer, I would say that the earliest that you often see the fruit of a brilliant idea is 15 years. Ideas are incubated for decades before they seem to catch wind and be taken up in popular culture. The same can often be said about art. Often what we will later honor as amazing or breathtaking art wasn't well received even in the artist's lifetime. Witness the reception of the Dutch artist Vermeer's work. In his lifetime he was shunned or not widely known; now we make films about him (Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)). 

http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Lk18.html

William R. Long, 2007
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...many insurance companies deal with claimants whose claims aren't immediately justified. They don't respond or they give people the "run around." Why? Because they know that 50% of people, when told that there is no coverage or that it looks like such-and-such may not be covered, will not fight the issue. The claimant becomes discouraged and goes away. 
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[A fortiori: Translation: "Even more so; by a stronger reason" (Latin)]
...Jesus' ... uses a technique in rhetoric called the a fortiori argument. That is, if the judge, who has no regard for humans or God, grants justice to a persistent widow, how much more will God do the same to those who persist in prayer.

http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Lk18II.html

William R. Long, 2007
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The word for justice [GSN1557 ekdikesis] is a dual-edged sword.  It not only means to give justice but it also means to exact punishment.  When we say, "life is not fair," nine times out of ten it is because we (humans) have made it so.  In most cases, either someone did not give justice or someone took it away.  Christ's justice will be given to those from whom it was stolen and exacted from those withheld it from others.  Upon which side of that coin will I be found?

http://onefamilyoutreach.com/bible/Luke/lk_18_01-08.htm

Source: Jerry Goebel: 2007 © http://onefamilyoutreach.com
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