Some persistence is not being a pain!
March 31, 2010
Luke 11:5-8
Have you ever had a persistent family member or friend? They are really not so nice to have around. They may push for that family reunion which you have no time to attend, ask you to be a part of an intervention with them, or just be disappointed in you being too busy to be a part of their everyday life. All of the while their persistence may be a sign of commitment to you, your family, or your friendship.
Persistence is definitely encouraged in today’s parable when it comes to a pray-er approaching God. Jesus’ parable lifts up someone who asks for bread from a friend who has “closed up shop” for the night who will receive it not because of friendship, but because of persistence and need. So we are encouraged to never tire of asking God for things we need in our prayers.
Notice though that our persistence should be about “needs” and not about “wants.” The key difference is that telling God our needs is asking God into our lives. That is certainly commendable and God (who is far beyond any human friend) never tires of our persistence in prayer. In fact we have a great friend in Jesus, who not only knows our needs, but has gone to the “wood” for us in fulfilling our greatest need, forgiveness for all of our sins.
On this Holy Wednesday it is like the day before a family trip. We have planned for the Three Days (Maundy Thursday-Easter evening) over the whole season of Lent. We are ready for the fully celebration of Easter. These four first days of April this year can well launch us into a different kind of living, where we include God in our daily lives as the friend that is brought to mind through today’s parable. More than that we know our gracious God never closes the door or goes to bed, but is there for us 24/7. So we should be there for God in some way, shape or form every day of our lives.