TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. - Matthew 13:41
TODAY IN THE WORD
One day, nurseryman John Chapman slung a bag of apple seeds over his shoulder and headed west. His mission? To plant apple trees everywhere he could.

Known as “Johnny Appleseed,” Chapman became an American folk hero. Tradition says he walked barefoot, planting apple trees for fifty years in five different states. Animals were reputed to be his closest friends, and he spent most nights under the stars. He carried neither knife nor gun and harmed no living thing.

As the legend goes, near the end of his life Johnny fell asleep in a small orchard. In his dream, he walked up a rainbow and threw out a handful of apple seeds. Those that stuck in the sky became stars, and those that fell grew into apple trees.

When Johnny planted apple seeds, no one was surprised to see apple trees grow. But when the master in today’s parable plants wheat, the servants are shocked to see weeds as well, planted by an enemy.

The enemy’s actions are no surprise to the farmer. He allows the weeds and the wheat to grow side by side because he’s reluctant to risk harming the wheat. But at the harvest, the two will be separated, with the weeds to be burned.

Jesus’ private explanation clarified the meaning of the story. He sowed the seed when His advent inaugurated the kingdom. The field is the world. Wheat symbolizes believers, and weeds unbelievers. The devil tries to work against God and His kingdom. For now, the two “realms” co-exist, but at the end of this age, divine judgment will separate them for eternity.

How is the kingdom described here? When the time is ripe, God’s judgment will define it. Even now, good and bad trees can be known by their fruit (Matt. 7:17-20). At present, God’s grace allows both wheat and weeds to grow simultaneously. But one day, no matter what the “weeds” think, a final reckoning will come, a final judgment, and a final destiny (v. 42). Ultimately, there is no place in God’s holy kingdom for “everything that causes sin and all who do evil” (v. 41).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you continue to explore the parables, we’d like to recommend a book that may help you. Words of Life,by Leland Ryken, has a particularly insightful chapter on parables. You can obtain a copy of this book at a local bookstore.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 13:47-50
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. - Matthew 25:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
Earlier this year off the coast of northern Japan, some fishermen had a very good day. They landed a gigantic bluefin tuna, weighing 444 pounds. Because such fish are prized for sushi, they sold the tuna at auction at the biggest fish market in Tokyo. It brought in 20 million yen, or $173,600--that’s about $391 per pound!

Sushi or sashimi made from raw bluefin tuna can cost upwards of $100 per plate. That’s probably what motivated the anonymous bidder to pay so much for a single fish.

Today’s parable links fishing to God’s judgment. A net is lowered into the water and catches all kinds of fish. This is similar to yesterday’s parable where wheat and weeds grew together in the kingdom. In today’s parable, when the net is full--that is, when Christ returns at the end of the age--separation or judgment will take place. Just as fish are sorted into baskets based on whether they’re good for food, righteous and wicked people will be separated (v. 49) based on their response to Christ (see July 13).

Again we see that God’s judgment in His time, will distinguish His kingdom. A similar scene is given in Matthew 25:31-46, which depicts judgment as a separation of sheep from goats. What’s the standard? Righteous-ness which leads to service for Christ (Matt. 25:40). As always, actions show the heart (James 2:14-18).

The wicked will be cast into a “fiery furnace”--basically the same idea as the “lake of fire” (Rev. 20:14)--where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (v. 50). This is a favorite expression of Matthew’s, used to portray exclusion from the kingdom. “Weeping” indicates sorrow, grief, and suffering, and “gnashing” adds a feeling of extreme regret, anger, or pain. Unbelievers will be “shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power” (2 Thess. 1:5-10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s devotional suggests a topic on which you might like to do further Bible study: God’s judgment. While not easy, this is an important issue.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. - Matthew 13:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you visit the campus of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and enter the main lobby in Crowell Hall, behind the receptionist you’ll see a beautiful stained glass window. The window depicts a sower going out to sow, reflecting both Jesus’ parable and the core purpose of a Moody education.

The parable of the sower provides an overview of the second part of our study. For about a week, we’ll consider parables emphasizing different responses to the kingdom.

In this parable, it seems likely that, as was the case two days ago, the sower is the Son of Man and the soils stand for the hearts of people, especially given the mixture of results from the seeds sown. However, neither are explicitly identified in Jesus’ interpretation (vv. 18-23). Instead, He focused on four main responses to the gospel or His Word.

First, some seeds fall by the path and are eaten by birds. These people do not understand the gospel and have no response whatsoever. The devil is allowed to “snatch away” the truth from their hearts.

Second, some seeds fall into rocky places with shallow soil. They spring up quickly, but lack good roots. Thus, they wither quickly. These people have a quick, joyful response to the gospel, but soon fall away during hardship or persecution. The verb “fall away” literally means “to be offended” or “to be repelled”--the gospel sounded good, but when they understand its full implications, they decide against it.

Third, some seeds fall among thorns, where their growth is choked off. The response of these people to the gospel is stifled by temporal concerns. As they’re consumed and satisfied by the material goods and pleasures of this life, they reject the good news of eternal life. Theologically, none of these first three groups ever became true believers in Christ. Their reaction wasn’t saving faith.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus indicated that the results of the different seeds illustrate the responses of different hearts to the good news of the kingdom. Thus, today might be a good time for a “heart check”!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 18:21-35
If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. - Matthew 6:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Until the late eighteenth century, jails were not primarily used for punishment, but to hold those awaiting trial or sentencing (to death or exile), and to hold debtors, people unable to fulfill their financial obligations. Almost the only recourse was to hope some friend or relative would take pity and give enough money to secure freedom.

The first servant in today’s parable deserved to be thrown into debtors’ prison. He owed the king millions of dollars! His promise to “pay back everything” is empty--he has no hope of repaying the money. Mercifully, the king cancels the debt. By law, he could have sold the family into slavery to recover some of the money, but he foregoes his right and gives the servant a new lease on life.

This is just like God. As sinners, we owe a penalty of death, which God could justly execute. Instead, He’s provided forgiveness through the sacrifice of His Son. Whoever believes on Him receives life, a result of God’s tremendous mercy (John. 5:24; Rom. 6:23).

So how does this servant respond? He finds a fellow servant who owes him a few dollars and demands payment. Even though the man asks for clemency with the same words he himself had used, the unmerciful servant doesn’t listen, and has the other servant thrown into prison.

Because the first servant received forgiveness, we expect him to act mercifully, especially given the relative size of the two debts. That he doesn’t is called “irony”--an unexpected contrast that heightens the impact of the story. Since his actions contradict our expectations, our response is clarified and strengthened. The king’s final judgment on the wicked servant satisfies our desire for justice in the narrative.

The basis for our forgiveness of others is God’s forgiveness of us (cf. Matt. 6:12). That’s the ultimate answer to Peter’s question (v. 21)--we should forgive not three times (the rabbis’ position), nor seven (Peter’s suggestion), but figuratively, “seventy times seven,” or an infinite number. What’s at stake? Our very fellowship with God (v. 35; cf. Matt. 6:14; James 2:13)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is there someone to whom you need to extend forgiveness today?

Take to heart the main lesson of today’s devotional by personalizing the parable. Re-read it, inserting God’s name for the king’s, your own for the first servant’s, and the name of the person you have not yet forgiven in place of the second servant’s.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 21:28-32
The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. - Proverbs 15:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
When John the Baptist began preaching his message of repentance, the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected his teaching, but sinners heeded John’s exhortations to righteousness. Tax collectors came for baptism, and asked how to mend their dishonest ways, as did soldiers and prostitutes (v. 32). Even when they saw such spiritual transformations, however, the Jewish leaders still did not accept or believe John’s message.

Jesus’ parable focused on the contrast between two sons. One says he will not do as his father asks, but later changes his mind and goes to work in the vineyard as requested. The other son agrees, but in fact doesn’t do it.

Jesus had begun this parable by asking, “What do you think?” He wanted His hearers to think about, interpret, and respond to the story. Afterwards, He pressed them again: “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (v. 31). This was not a difficult question, and they immediately got it right: the first son.

The focus is obedience. Actions speak louder than words. Actions prove the heart. Obedience is made up of actions, not intentions or words. This is not to say that words are unimportant (cf. Luke 6:45), but whereas the first son spoke rebelliously or ungraciously, then changed his actions, the second son spoke nicely, but didn’t follow through or obey. His words didn’t match his deeds.

What lesson did Jesus draw? When John the Baptist proclaimed the kingdom, the lower classes of society were like the first son. Their initial response was negative, but in fact they did answer the call and the message transformed their lives. By contrast, the chief priests and elders--who had just questioned Jesus about His authority (vv. 23-27)--were like the second son. They said the right words, they knew all the religious clichés, but their actions demonstrated their rejection of the kingdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you made a promise to the Lord or to another person that you’ve not kept? We don’t want to be like that second son! Ask the Spirit to bring to mind any unfulfilled promise you’ve made recently.

If you can think of such a promise, today’s application is clear--fulfill it! Be a man or woman of your word and do what you said you would do (if it is still possible to do so).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 18:9-14
God, have mercy on me, a sinner. - Luke 18:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1753, John Wesley fell ill and thought he would die. At that time, he wrote himself an epitaph: “Here lieth the body of John Wesley / A brand plucked out of the burning: who died of a consumption in the fifty-first year of his age, not leaving, after his debts are paid, ten pounds behind him: praying, God be merciful to me, an unprofitable servant!”

Wesley recovered and lived another 38 years, but the epitaph he wrote shows a core attitude of his life--extreme thankfulness for God’s mercy.

Audience is particularly noteworthy in this parable. Jesus’ parables were often addressed to crowds or His disciples. Sometimes He spoke primarily to Jewish religious leaders. Here the listeners were “some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else” (v. 9). While not specifically identified, this self-righteous group were likely Pharisees, scribes, or priests. Jesus knew their hearts!

The Pharisee’s prayer is boastful toward God and condescending toward his fellow worshiper (matching v. 9 exactly): “Look at all my good works. I’m far better than that Roman-loving tax collector over there!” His religious life is merely external. Jesus said such people fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “These people come near to me with their mouth . . . but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men” (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:.

On the other hand, the tax collector’s prayer is a humble cry from the heart. He won’t even draw near or look up, he’s so ashamed. He’s under conviction of sin, and his soul is in agony. His spiritual distress causes him to beat his breast--more body language that shows his wholehearted repentance. He throws himself completely on God’s mercy.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever tried to write your own parable? Doing so can use your creativity to give you additional insight into this type of story.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 13:1-9
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. - Acts 3:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the reluctant Jonah arrived in Nineveh with God’s message of judgment, the reaction was astonishing. The statement that Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days reflected God’s judgment on sin. Realizing this, the people repented, fasting and putting on sackcloth to show the depth of their sincerity. The king decreed: “Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish” (Jonah 3:8-9).

And that’s precisely what God did. He mercifully forgave them and didn’t destroy the city. By heeding the prophet’s warning, the Ninevites were saved.

Jonah brought the same message as that in today’s reading: Repent, or face judgment.

This parable is prompted by an incident in which Pilate had some people killed while they were offering sacrifices (v. 1). Nothing more is known of this event, but the people who related it to Jesus were assuming that bad things happen to bad people. Those Galileans must have been terrible sinners because God allowed them to die in such a terrible way.

Jesus contradicted this assumption. That suffering or accidents befall people doesn’t mean we can deduce they are more sinful or guilty than others (vv. 2-5). We’ve no justification for feeling superior!

To reinforce His point that everyone needs to repent, Jesus told a parable about a fig tree. Unfruitful after three years--the maturation time needed for a fig tree--it should be cut down and thrown away, but the caretaker begs one more year for it. The story is unusual in that it’s left open-ended or unfinished--this is to show the listeners that there’s still time to repent. God’s patience and mercy mean the door is still open (cf. 2 Peter 3:9)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What we see in this parable of the fig tree demonstrates how absolutely essential it is to stay close to Christ, abiding in Him as the True Vine. Only then can we bear fruit!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 20:9-19
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. - Psalm 118:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most of us have paid rent to a landlord before. After signing a lease, we send a check to the person or management company that owns the building every month. We may call our apartment “home,” but in fact it belongs to someone else. If we fail to pay the rent, the landlord can evict us. After all, it’s his property. That is the basic situation in today’s parable.

The landlord is God. From the “year of jubilee” provision in the Law, the Jews were already familiar with this metaphor: “The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants” (Lev. 25:23). Isaiah had also referred to the nation as a vineyard (5:1-7). The servants are the prophets. The son is Jesus, the Messiah, God’s ultimate revelation (John 1:14). The farmers represent Israel, especially its leaders. The others who will receive the vineyard are the Gentiles.

Arrogantly, the farmers do not acknowledge the rights of the landlord, beating his messengers and killing his son. They recognize the son but murder him anyway in a self-deluded belief that this will free them from their obligations. Based on the evidence, the landlord’s decision is unquestionably just (v. 16).

This parable was told specifically against the Jewish leaders, who are the audience and had just challenged Jesus’ authority (vv. 1-8). They stand condemned for turning away from God, in the person of His Son. Jesus followed that up with a warning from Psalm 118:22: He is the rejected capstone or cornerstone, but those who reject Him doom themselves. The leaders, who understood His meaning clearly, were furious (v. 19)!

More about the Jews, Gentiles, and God’s sovereign plan of salvation history may be understood by reading Paul’s comments in Romans 11:11-21. For now, we want to point out that the same basic issue is at stake for us as for the Jewish leaders: Will we accept or reject God’s revelation in Christ?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Accepting or rejecting Christ is at the core of the Bible’s teaching on eternal salvation. On which side do you stand? We trust that most of our readers made the decision to accept Christ as personal Savior from sin and the penalty of death and hell.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 14:7-14
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. - Luke 14:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
For a short time during World War II, a mentally-handicapped young man lived at the Kilns, the home of writer and apologist C. S. Lewis. One might think that such a well-known professor and speaker would have had no time for a person with the mind of an eight-year-old, but this was not the case.

A friend of the family has recounted how Lewis tried to teach his houseguest to read. He made drawings and letter cards, and worked on tutoring him in the alphabet and short words. For more than two months, Lewis went through the alphabet with him every evening. Citizens of Christ’s kingdom are characterized by humility.

Jesus seized a moment to teach while a guest in a Pharisee’s home. The guests’ vanity had been on display as they jockeyed for seats of honor. Using the illustration of a wedding banquet, He showed them that such prideful behavior was wrong. They should have already known that pride comes before a fall, and the Psalms are full of references to what God does for the humble (Ps. 18:27; Prov. 16:18).

To convince the hard-hearted Pharisees of the importance of humility, Jesus stressed pragmatic reasons for not taking a prominent seat. Whoever takes a good seat risks public humiliation if someone higher-ranking enters. But whoever takes a low seat has nothing to lose, and in fact might very well end up being publicly honored. The Pharisees could easily imagine themselves in such hypothetical situations--another good teaching technique used by Christ.

Jesus also addressed His host directly, telling him to invite guests based on this same principle. He shouldn’t invite guests based on social status, or with the expectation that he’ll be repaid. Instead, by helping the helpless he’ll demonstrate righteousness and be rewarded on Judgment Day. Beyond mere hospitality, however, Jesus meant that people should love as God loves (Matt. 5:43-48).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Since the setting of a Jewish banquet is far removed from most of our everyday cultural contexts, let’s picture humility in more familiar surroundings.

Identify three ordinary settings in your life, such as your office, your dining room, or a department store in your neighborhood. In these settings, what might humility look like? That is, in these contexts, what kinds of situations might arise that would call for the exercise of Christlike humility? Think of this as a “dry run” for challenges you could encounter tomorrow!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 16:1-15
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. - Matthew 6:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a sermon entitled “Pressing Into the Kingdom of God,” American Puritan theologian and pastor Jonathan Edwards preached on the value of the kingdom.

“It is

that the kingdom of heaven should be thus sought, because of the great excellency of it. We are willing to seek earthly things, of trifling value, with great diligence, and through much difficulty; it therefore certainly becomes us to seek that with great earnestness which is of infinitely greater worth and excellence. And how well may God expect and require it of us, that we should seek it in such a manner, in order to our obtaining it!”

That’s the central point of today’s somewhat difficult parable. An estate manager, accused of wrongdoing, sees that he’s probably going to lose his job. He decides to use his remaining time in power to make friends. He knows people will be grateful for lowered debts, and since he’s on the way out he has nothing to lose. After he’s fired, they’ll be happy to give him a helping hand.

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus demonstrated a keen knowledge of human nature and behavior. We like to look out for #1! Is He commending dishonesty or selfishness? Not at all! This is an analogy. For example: An athlete wins a gold medal, and we read that she’s been training for years. Do we want to join her sport? Probably not. Do we want her dedication to excellence? Absolutely!

Similarly, we want to imitate the manager’s shrewdness, but not his methods or purposes. Just as the manager was clever in worldly affairs, so we should be wise in kingdom affairs. Just as the manager was clever in using his resources for selfish gain, so we should be wise in using them for eternal gain (vv. 9-10). We should pursue God’s will with the same energy that the manager had in pursuing his own benefit.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Review your budget and finances in light of today’s devotional. Are you using your resources with “kingdom shrewdness”? Would God be pleased about your priorities and spending?

If you’re not sure, obtain a financial workbook (such as one by Larry Burkett) through a Christian bookstore and take a hard look at where your money goes and why. Depending on what you find, you might seek out an accountability partner to help correct bad habits or wrongdoing. Godly accountability in this, as in any area, can lead to true spiritual growth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 17:7-10
My Father will honor the one who serves me. - John 12:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
Picture this: An employee arrives at work. After a full day of bricklaying, preparing tax returns, teaching kindergarten, or whatever his job involves, he appears at the boss’s door, ready to be thanked and praised for his day’s efforts. Perhaps the boss will pop in a video for his amusement, or pour him a cold drink and make dinner as a reward. Maybe he’ll give him a day off or an extra vacation allowance. After all, the employee has done him a big favor by working today.

By now, you’re thinking, “Where’s this person coming from? These are ridiculous expectations!” That’s because a worker that does his job is just, well, doing his job. He receives a paycheck for it. It’s not something additional or extra, no special praise is warranted.

In today’s reading, that’s the point Jesus is making about servanthood: For believers, it’s expected, not optional. Service is part of our identity as citizens of the kingdom.

A master is not very likely to offer special thanks, even though the servant has been obedient. That’s the point. Work and obedience are exactly what a servant is supposed to do.

In the same way, when we serve God, we’re not “doing Him a favor.” Sometimes we behave as though we’re free agents who’ve graciously or intelligently “joined the winning team,” or who deserve extra thanks for exerting ourselves for God’s glory. Scripture indicates otherwise!

“Duty” is not a popular word these days. To us, it might sound cold or empty. But “duty” can have a richer meaning. Doing one’s duty toward family, or in a particular situation or relationship, can be very fulfilling. Godly duties help define how people should live.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you desire to be honored by God? Today’s verse shows how.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 6:46-49
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. - Isaiah 33:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
New Orleans is apparently built on “sinking sand.” The city is already an average of eight feet below sea level, and each year the state of Louisiana loses another twenty-five square miles of coastline.

New silt from the Mississippi River is deposited in spring, but this cycle has been curtailed by dams and other flood prevention measures. In short, dirt is compacting as usual, but not enough fresh dirt is arriving to take its place. Engineering and technology might help save the city, but an estimate puts the price tag at $14 billion.

One geologist estimates that New Orleans has 50-100 years left before it’s totally underwater, or it could be destroyed by a single large hurricane. What a vivid illustration of today’s parable!

Speaking to His disciples (v. 20), Jesus used contrasting similes to describe obedience versus disobedience. A person who hears and obeys God’s Word is like someone building their house on a rock. It has a sure foundation, and can endure the storms of life. By contrast, a person who does not put God’s Word into practice is like someone building on sand (Matt. 7:26). One difficulty, and it collapses!

God is the sure foundation for life, as today’s verse emphasizes. Christ is also described as a foundation or cornerstone (1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20). Sand is anything else.

But building a house doesn’t stop with choosing a foundation. A person who’s decided to build on a rock has taken on a project requiring a great deal of time, energy, and resources. Similarly, we who seek to build our lives on the Rock must commit to wholehearted obedience. To Jesus, coming, hearing, and obeying are all part of a single, continuous action (v. 47).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, take some time to reflect on and answer for yourself the question in Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 10:25-37
Love your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Dr. Charles Drew was an African-American doctor who researched blood stored in blood banks. He found that blood plasma, separated out, could be preserved and stored for longer periods than whole blood. He supervised plasma-supply programs for the armed forces early in World War II, but when they ruled that the blood of blacks must be stored separately from that of whites, he resigned.

Drew’s research saved not only the lives of soldiers, but countless other lives. He pioneered a plasma-storage facility that became the model for all Red Cross blood banks.

Like Drew, the “Good Samaritan” helped the helpless. And also like him, he faced racial prejudice. Because they considered Samaritans disreputable half-breeds, Jesus’ Jewish listeners would not have liked today’s parable!

An expert in the law asked Jesus a common question. Jesus responded with His own question, to which the man answered by quoting the two greatest commandments that summarize the Law. Because this seemed too easy, the expert felt a need to justify himself by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” (v. 29).

Jesus told a parable to explain. A man goes on a journey from Jerusalem to Jericho, a trip of seventeen miles through rough terrain. Thieves jump him, beat him, rob him, strip him, and leave him for dead.

Two respected leaders, a priest and a Levite, pass by, but don’t stop to help. Why not? Perhaps they fear ritual uncleanness, or a trap, or perhaps they’re just stingy or selfish. They fail to obey the “love your neighbor” commandment just quoted, even though the average Israelite would have said these two men would surely inherit eternal life.

The third passerby stops. He’s a Samaritan, despised racially, socially, culturally, and religiously by the Jews. Despite these barriers, he goes all-out to help the victim. He provides medicine (bandages, oil, wine), transportation, ongoing care, and money to pay the hotel bill for two months plus a personal guarantee to pay if needed. He goes above and beyond!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you skipped “Today Along the Way” for July 11, we’d like to encourage you to flip back and take another look. On that day, we suggested that you try writing a parable of your own. If you don’t feel like a writer, don’t worry--just give it your best effort!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. - Luke 18:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book, The Necessity of Prayer,E. M. Bounds wrote:“Importunate [persistent] prayer is a mighty movement of the soul toward God. It is a stirring of the deepest forces of the soul, toward the throne of heavenly grace. It is the ability to hold on, press on, and wait. Restless desire, restful patience, and strength of grasp are all embraced in it. It is not an incident, or a performance, but a passion of soul. . . . The wrestling quality in importunate prayers does not spring from physical vehemence or fleshly energy. It is not an impulse of energy, not a mere earnestness of soul; it is an inwrought force, a faculty implanted and aroused by the Holy Spirit.”

Such persistent prayer is demonstrated by the widow in Jesus’ story. He told it to instruct His disciples to “always pray and not give up” (v. 1).

The parable has two main characters. The judge neither fears God nor loves people, a discouraging fact for poor people in that town. The widow has a just complaint, though we don’t know the specifics. The contrast couldn’t be stronger. The judge is powerful, the widow is powerless.

How does the widow succeed? She persists in coming to the judge many times over a long period. He gives in just to be free of her bothering!

Is this a picture of us and God? No! Once again, we can’t over-interpret this parable. This judge is nothing like God, nor can we pester Him into doing things. The story’s point is that if even the worst kind of human judge will eventually grant a prayer for his own selfish reasons, how much more will our heavenly Father grant His children’s prayers for reasons of love and holiness (cf. Matt. 7:9-11)? Given who God is and our relationship with Him, there’s every reason to have faith that He will answer prayer!

The key, of course, is that our prayers be within God’s will. We know that certain prayers are always within His will, including prayers for spiritual growth, forgiveness, and justice. That’s why Jesus, looking toward the end of history, guaranteed God’s justice (vv. 7-8).

Do we have unwavering faith in God? Then we should persevere in prayer as well.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How can we improve the “perseverance factor” in our prayer lives?

One idea is to make a prayer list and keep it with your Bible. Writing things down will help you remember prayer requests longer, making you more like the widow in today’s parable. It will also remind you to give thanks for the answers God sends!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 11:5-13
Everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Luke 11:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jenny wore her necklace of toy pearls everywhere--to school, to church, even to bed. She felt grown-up.

One night before bed, her father asked her, “Jenny, do you love me? Would you be willing to give me your pearls?”

Silence. Jenny would give her daddy anything . . . well, almost anything.

One night, tears in her eyes, she finally said “yes” and gave him her most precious possession. The father reached into his pocket, pulled out a velvet case, and gave it to his daughter. Inside lay a beautiful strand of genuine pearls!

Like Jenny’s dad, God our Father wants to give us genuine treasures. He’s only waiting for us to surrender our worthless trinkets to His love! If we fully believed this truth, we would come to Him in prayer with the boldness of a child or a friend.

Today’s reading is like a sandwich: two parables or word-pictures on prayer, with direct teaching in the middle (following the Lord’s Prayer).

In the first parable, one friend knocks on another’s door at midnight. A guest has arrived, and they need to borrow food--a cultural requirement of hospitality. Even though they’re friends, the one inside doesn’t want to come out, because they’re already in for the night. What makes the difference is “boldness” (v. , which can also be translated “persistence” or even “shamelessness.” Boldness, then, means unashamedly continuing to ask for the right thing.

The “meat” of the sandwich promises that bold, godly prayers--prayers according to God’s will--will be answered. Verse 9 pictures this in three different ways, and verse 10 repeats them to reinforce the point. God answers prayer, period. “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:14).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many ideas for expanding the horizons of your prayer life may be found in our March issue. As today’s application, we invite you to read or re-read all or part of that month’s study on prayer.