Impudence

Read Deuteronomy 13

Read Luke 11

God is not too lazy to get up out of bed. He doesn't tell us, "Go away, leave me alone. My children are resting in heaven here with me. Please take care of the matter yourself." This doesn't describe God.

So why would Jesus tell such a parable in the context of his teaching about prayer? Are we to pray, "Our Father, who art in heaven," and picture a God who is lazy? Are we to ask and plead and petition because God needs coaxing? No.

But Jesus does tell this parable. The reason he tells it is not to describe God, but to describe us, or rather, how we ought to be. In this life when we have a request, we can be downright impudent! We are persistent and persuasive. We even nag.

Jesus wants us to pray in such a way. Not that we are rude to God or can manipulate him, but persistent and bold (even impudent!) prayer is a prayer of faith. We continue to call out to God because we know he promises to hear every word. We are confident he hears because he has promised to hear. And therefore we (yes, even we sinners) are bold to approach the throne of grace in prayer. And we are brash enough to pray for ridiculously amazing things - things like the washing away of all our sins, Almighty God's constant attention and help, and (imagine this!) even eternal life in the paradise of heaven. Yes, we Christians ask for such things. Now that's impudence!

And what a joy and privilege it is to be so impudent. What a joy that God promises to deliver these very amazing things for which we ask. What a joy that God has invented prayer and given it to us as a precious gift.

And what a Savior we have, who forgives us through the cross and makes us sons and daughters of God so that God would now hear us and grant the requests. We certainly have much for which we ought to give thanks. So, let's give thanks now. And then, why not flex our impudence a little and ask for something great and grand - like his strength to live for him today. After that, let your faith talk. God will hear your prayer.

Pray:

Pray from your heart today. Refer back to the last few sentences of the devotion to guide you.

Amen!!

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!