Justice for Those Who Cry Out Day and Night

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

October 20, 2013

Luke 18:7

Justice for Those Who Cry Out Day and Night

In the name of Jesus.

I.

Why do you pray? This question is best answered by asking: When do you pray?

The widow in Jesus' story prayed day and night. And she asked for what she needed: justice. In the end the careless judge gives the widow justice just to get her to shut up. And then Jesus asks,

Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. (Luke 18:7-8)

II.

Now you already know when to pray. You pray when you need something. Our sin is that we refuse to see that we are always in need, day and night.

The widow knew that there was only person who could help her. And that's where she went. Learn from her. There's only one Person who can help you with all of your constant needs. And unlike that judge who couldn't care less for others, our Judge is full of care. Our careful Jesus promises to satisfy all our needs, not to get us to shut up, but to lead us to depend on Him even more.

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14)

III.

Why do you pray? You cry out day and night to Jesus because you need justice and Jesus is the only One who can give it to you. And according to His will, His prayer, and His death, He gives you His justice according to His gifts. He is the Judge who declares you Just by sending away your guilt through water and word. He is the Sacrifice who gives us Justice through His own body and blood. He is the Widow in heaven who prays the Father for justice on our behalf day and night.

IV.

We are so deeply in need. In the comfortable prison of our wants, we can't even see it. But Christ lowered Himself down to us, and with His prayers and with His blood, He pulls us up to safety, now and forevermore.

In the name of the Father

and of the † Son

and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.