Knock knock…

Luke 18

Have you ever knocked on someone’s door hoping they don’t answer? I had a paper route growing up. I had one family that scared me so bad I didn’t collect from them very often if ever. If I ever did attempt, my knocking was a timid and quiet tap. How do we knock when our getting in to see the person is urgent? I had neighbor who was a type 1 diabetic and who would sometimes slip into a coma from low blood sugar. There were times I had to bang on her door to get her to wake up and get help.

How do I knock on God’s door? Am I timid or am I bold? Do I really want God to “come to the door”? Let’s take a look at what Jesus taught us about prayer, which in some ways is a lot like knocking on his door.

We should Pray persistently. Pray like it’s our only chance, like God is our only hope. Pray like we’re trying to get someone’s attention.

“1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off ?8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” ‘

Can we make a difference with our prayers? If we believe what Jesus says here yes we can. We can alter the course of the world and change eternity. Many years ago I prayed for a man I met in Safeway. Every time I thought of him I would pray that he would be saved. He is saved and goes to our church now. I can think of two other random people that I started praying for whenever I thought of them. They too are now saved. One goes to our church, one moved out of the area.

I am more organized now. I have a list. Friends, family , co-Workers. I pray for them like the persistent widow. I just keep coming back. Although the widow was probably just camped on the judges door. She had no other responsibilities and no other hope. I’m just at it once a day, unless I think of someone during the day. Yesterday I didn’t use my time well and I skipped praying. Sorry for those of you on the list.

God is not like a corrupt judge but even corrupt judges can be swayed so how much more should we persistently pray to a just and caring God?

Lord Jesus you know my list and the people on it. May they find you today and Lord meet their needs. I have 2 sick grandsons. Heal them Lord. I know women who are pregnant, protect them and their babies. Provide for us Lord Jesus. You are our only hope and our salvation.