"I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs."
(Luke 11:8)
Earlier in chapter 11 we find Jesus’ familiar teaching of the Lord’s Prayer. While Matthew records the version that most of us are more familiar with (Matthew 6:9-13), only Luke includes this brief but provocative parable immediately following the Lord’s Prayer. After instructing the disciples in how to pray, He encourages them to pray persistently. The fact that the man in the story is friends with the caller is not enough to get Him out of bed. Only because of the caller’s bold persistence will his friend get up and give him what he needs.
How many times have I used the phrase, “I think I’ve already given you my answer” with my children? How many times did I hear that from my own parents growing up? Persistence is one of the defining characteristics of an adolescent. While that persistence may turn to nagging, our own persistence with the Lord ought to be tireless and sincere, always in line with His will. He is not slow in keeping His promises. He will lovingly instruct us even as we lay our needs before Him.
How many times have I used the phrase, “I think I’ve already given you my answer” with my children? How many times did I hear that from my own parents growing up? Persistence is one of the defining characteristics of an adolescent. While that persistence may turn to nagging, our own persistence with the Lord ought to be tireless and sincere, always in line with His will. He is not slow in keeping His promises. He will lovingly instruct us even as we lay our needs before Him.
Scripture Focus
Luke 11:5-8
Insight
Are there long-standing prayers that you've given up on? Keep knocking! Jesus is encouraging us to persistently ask for what we need.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 5-6
- Psalm 10
- Matthew 14-15