Effective Persistence

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Friday, November 21, 2008
Devotions: Ps 102, 107:1-32; Mal 3:1-12; Jas 5:7-12; Lk 18:1-8

Lord, I cry to You for forgiveness and mercy. My bones burn like a furnace; I am desolate, like a vulture in the wilderness, an owl in the wasteland. I cause much of my own suffering, by foolish and sinful choices. I know better, yet do worse. But You—God, You are enthroned in majesty, and wreathed in light. In Your integrity, have pity on me, Lord. Your mercy is wonderful! You save my life, and You bless my children and grandchildren. Your steadfast love endures forever. In every generation of history, You have rescued and delivered those who trusted in You—out of Mesopotamia into Canaan, from Canaan to Egypt, from Egypt to Palestine, from sin and death into salvation and vindication. You set prisoners free; You heal the sick and even raise the dead. You watch over travelers and wanderers. I will praise You in the community of faith, and serve You in the world of commerce, YHWH.

Malachi spoke for God: ‘Look! I send My messenger to prepare My way. The Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, bringing fulfillment to the covenant. But who can withstand His coming and His presence? He is like a refining fire, like a strong cleansing soap. He will purify the heirs of Levi, until they can present right offerings to the Lord. Then I will draw near to you, and I will judge and punish My enemies. I don’t change—that’s why you are still alive. Return to Me, and I will return to you! Stop robbing me by withholding your tithes and offerings. I don’t need your money or your goods—but you need to keep faith with Me: you are cursing yourselves when you cheat Me. Why not test Me to your benefit rather than your harm? Test me: bring the full tithe to Me, and I will open heaven’s windows and shower you with an overflowing blessing—and you will be a land of delight!’

James wrote: ‘Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord comes. Farmers plant, then wait, trusting God and nature for the rain and the crops. Establish your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is at hand. Stop grumbling against one another; let the Judge find you in peace. Be steadfast, like God’s prophets; consider Job’s story—his steadfastness, and God’s blessing to him in the end. Say yes or no with a simple "yes" or "no." No oaths, no inflated promises—just yes and no, so you are not condemned.’

Jesus taught His disciples to pray and not lose heart: ‘There was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. In his jurisdiction was a persistent widow who kept demanding his judgment in her favor. The judge complied with her petition because otherwise she would have worn him out.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Now if an unrighteous human responds this way, how much more will the merciful God vindicate His elect when they cry to Him day and night! Pray, and keep on praying, and see how God blesses you.’