WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.039 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.460 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.179 Let us turn our Bibles to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18. 00:00:37.960 --> 00:00:44.740 In your ESV Pew Bible, you'll find it on page 1042. 00:00:50.460 --> 00:00:57.920 You know, parables are very simple and easy to understand, 00:00:57.920 --> 00:01:02.800 but they carry with it much depth and much weight. 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:08.640 Each parable can speak to you in a certain way. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:13.280 And that's the power of God's Word. 00:01:14.280 --> 00:01:16.200 That it is living and active. 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:23.019 It speaks to us today, much like it has throughout, well, throughout the centuries. 00:01:24.079 --> 00:01:29.460 And how blessed we are to have the Word of God together and read it. 00:01:29.459 --> 00:01:39.139 So what I'd like for us to do, let's read the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18. 00:01:39.979 --> 00:01:42.379 And it's going to be verses 1 through 8. 00:01:42.500 --> 00:01:43.179 Are we all there? 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:46.639 Church, let's read it together. 00:01:46.640 --> 00:01:56.219 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought to always pray and not lose heart. 00:01:56.739 --> 00:02:01.680 He said, in a certain city there was a judge who what? 00:02:02.480 --> 00:02:04.840 Neither feared God nor what? 00:02:05.340 --> 00:02:06.439 Respected man. 00:02:06.439 --> 00:02:11.719 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, saying what? 00:02:12.359 --> 00:02:14.919 Give me justice against my adversary. 00:02:15.579 --> 00:02:17.819 For a while he refused. 00:02:18.639 --> 00:02:21.419 But afterward he said to himself, 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:25.419 Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 00:02:26.340 --> 00:02:28.819 yet because this widow what? 00:02:28.819 --> 00:02:31.120 keeps bothering me. 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:33.340 I will give her justice. 00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:36.799 So that she will not, what? 00:02:37.500 --> 00:02:40.239 Beat me down by her continual coming. 00:02:41.019 --> 00:02:42.419 And the Lord said, 00:02:43.079 --> 00:02:45.439 Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 00:02:46.099 --> 00:02:49.439 And will not God give justice to his elect 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:52.740 who cry to him day and night? 00:02:53.400 --> 00:02:55.719 Will he delay long over them? 00:02:55.719 --> 00:03:01.500 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. 00:03:02.539 --> 00:03:05.719 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, 00:03:06.280 --> 00:03:09.280 will he find faith on earth? 00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:11.740 We read that. 00:03:13.079 --> 00:03:13.719 We can, 00:03:15.340 --> 00:03:20.579 we first begin by looking about how Christ is talking about the coming of the kingdom. 00:03:20.580 --> 00:03:25.780 And that it will come in such a way that people may not understand what's going on. 00:03:26.780 --> 00:03:27.240 And so, 00:03:27.360 --> 00:03:28.900 even in the prior verses, 00:03:29.820 --> 00:03:31.140 leading up to it, 00:03:32.460 --> 00:03:35.100 where it says in verse 20, 00:03:36.700 --> 00:03:37.500 Christ is saying, 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:40.280 The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 00:03:40.400 --> 00:03:41.160 nor will they say, 00:03:41.300 --> 00:03:42.280 Look, here it is there. 00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:44.780 For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. 00:03:45.020 --> 00:03:47.160 Speaking of Christ being right there. 00:03:47.159 --> 00:03:54.579 And it's going on further about how Christ is the better way. 00:03:55.740 --> 00:03:58.419 The coming of Christ, that he is here. 00:03:59.659 --> 00:04:01.280 Let us not lose heart. 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:05.400 And we see then, 00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:09.300 even after we have the Pharisee and the tax collector. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:12.820 The two people who go into the temple to pray. 00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:18.079 We learn about how the tax collector is saying, 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:20.379 God, have mercy on me, a sinner. 00:04:20.900 --> 00:04:22.340 And the Pharisee who, 00:04:22.520 --> 00:04:24.259 well, he did all the right things. 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:25.480 But yet, 00:04:26.040 --> 00:04:27.540 it was only the one, 00:04:28.160 --> 00:04:29.040 the tax collector, 00:04:29.139 --> 00:04:30.019 that was justified. 00:04:31.100 --> 00:04:33.980 And so that kind of gives us a little bit of space to see, 00:04:34.100 --> 00:04:35.600 well, what exactly is going on? 00:04:35.660 --> 00:04:36.939 You have the coming of the kingdom, 00:04:36.939 --> 00:04:40.219 and that there is this delay. 00:04:40.779 --> 00:04:44.879 There is this misunderstood arrival, as it were. 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:49.019 And he's showing his disciples that they need to, 00:04:49.639 --> 00:04:50.959 well, that first verse, 00:04:52.040 --> 00:04:55.899 always to pray and not to lose heart. 00:04:57.040 --> 00:04:58.680 And so we begin then, 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:00.500 always pray, right? 00:05:00.560 --> 00:05:01.459 Never lose heart. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:02.920 We know that in Scripture, 00:05:03.360 --> 00:05:06.800 just as when Scripture says to pray without ceasing. 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:10.379 And to not give up. 00:05:11.899 --> 00:05:13.639 We see then this scene, 00:05:14.300 --> 00:05:15.040 this judge, 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:16.800 with this language on here, 00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:18.160 where it's saying that this judge 00:05:18.160 --> 00:05:21.240 neither feared God nor respected man. 00:05:22.199 --> 00:05:23.860 Isn't that very interesting that 00:05:23.860 --> 00:05:25.560 we should know, 00:05:25.639 --> 00:05:26.259 as Christians, 00:05:26.399 --> 00:05:26.939 if you don't, 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:29.480 we're called to love the Lord with all our heart, 00:05:29.579 --> 00:05:29.860 right? 00:05:30.699 --> 00:05:32.740 Love God and to love people. 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:36.600 But this judge does neither of them. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:39.220 He doesn't love the Lord, 00:05:39.300 --> 00:05:41.180 and he does not respect people. 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:45.920 We can easily say that this person was a wicked judge. 00:05:46.920 --> 00:05:49.740 Do we have wicked judges these days? 00:05:49.740 --> 00:05:52.960 Please don't answer too much here, right? 00:05:54.120 --> 00:05:54.480 Right? 00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:56.160 We have people, 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:57.879 and many times in Scripture, 00:05:58.100 --> 00:06:00.379 where there are people in positions of authority 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:02.079 or in people that are in power, 00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:04.660 those that are wicked 00:06:04.660 --> 00:06:06.160 and those that are not. 00:06:07.180 --> 00:06:08.280 Let us be reminded 00:06:08.280 --> 00:06:11.240 of many Scriptures that say 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:13.379 we pray for those who are in authority. 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:17.519 Then we have the widow, 00:06:18.659 --> 00:06:19.920 this woman, 00:06:20.240 --> 00:06:22.939 who keeps coming and bothering this judge. 00:06:23.040 --> 00:06:25.439 And I'm imagining this guy who, 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:26.240 you know, 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:27.819 he's in this very high status, 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:29.040 this place of authority, 00:06:29.040 --> 00:06:32.219 and this woman keeps bothering him. 00:06:33.259 --> 00:06:34.399 She is persistent. 00:06:35.459 --> 00:06:37.180 She is asking for justice 00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:39.060 from a wrong that has happened. 00:06:40.500 --> 00:06:41.719 What does he say? 00:06:42.680 --> 00:06:44.260 He says no at first, right? 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:47.440 For a while, he refused. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:51.280 How many of us have tried 00:06:51.280 --> 00:06:53.060 getting an answer 00:06:53.060 --> 00:06:54.220 or getting a response, 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:55.820 or maybe you have identified 00:06:55.820 --> 00:06:56.980 with seeking justice 00:06:56.980 --> 00:06:58.060 and been denied it? 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:00.140 Isn't it interesting 00:07:00.140 --> 00:07:01.660 we find this in Scripture then? 00:07:02.380 --> 00:07:04.540 To continue and never to give up. 00:07:06.200 --> 00:07:07.160 And eventually, 00:07:08.320 --> 00:07:10.060 well, though I neither fear God 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:10.940 nor respect man, 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:11.860 this widow 00:07:11.860 --> 00:07:14.540 is bothering me. 00:07:15.339 --> 00:07:16.639 I'm sick of her. 00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:19.100 Why does she keep showing up 00:07:19.100 --> 00:07:21.000 and keeps asking the same thing 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:21.800 for justice? 00:07:23.060 --> 00:07:23.839 Well, eventually, 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:25.339 well, he's getting so bothered, 00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:25.699 he's like, 00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:26.319 fine. 00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:29.420 I'm going to give her justice, right? 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:31.240 I will give her justice 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:32.620 so that she will not, 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:34.100 I love the language in this, 00:07:34.740 --> 00:07:36.459 she will not beat me down 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:38.719 by her continual coming. 00:07:40.039 --> 00:07:40.339 I mean, 00:07:40.419 --> 00:07:43.479 just the thought of a judge, 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:44.879 I mean, 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:46.539 even if we think of nowadays judges, 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:47.060 right? 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:49.299 Someone bothering the judge so much. 00:07:49.419 --> 00:07:51.959 Maybe a modern day comparison 00:07:51.959 --> 00:07:52.620 would be, 00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:54.939 will you hear my court case, 00:07:55.060 --> 00:07:55.659 maybe, judge? 00:07:56.219 --> 00:07:56.439 You know, 00:07:56.620 --> 00:07:58.740 can you speed things up along? 00:07:58.740 --> 00:08:00.060 Maybe that might be 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:01.180 a modern day comparison. 00:08:03.000 --> 00:08:04.060 And so then, 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:05.300 the judge gives in, 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:07.960 but he is so bothered. 00:08:08.100 --> 00:08:09.280 And then you have Jesus 00:08:09.280 --> 00:08:09.980 who's saying, 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:11.300 listen up, 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:13.220 God is not like 00:08:13.220 --> 00:08:14.699 this wicked judge. 00:08:14.699 --> 00:08:15.019 Amen. 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:16.340 I mean, 00:08:16.340 --> 00:08:17.000 if that's anything 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:18.340 we should praise God for, 00:08:18.420 --> 00:08:18.960 it's that. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:21.420 Because God is holy. 00:08:22.220 --> 00:08:23.340 God is righteous, 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:25.279 and he is just. 00:08:26.939 --> 00:08:28.039 We see here, 00:08:29.099 --> 00:08:30.919 God is greater than the judge. 00:08:31.979 --> 00:08:33.159 And what's interesting 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:34.720 is that final part then. 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:36.819 In that verse 8, 00:08:37.699 --> 00:08:38.860 he will give justice. 00:08:39.259 --> 00:08:39.519 Nevertheless, 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:41.319 when the Son of Man comes, 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:43.659 will he find faith on the earth. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:46.860 How very interesting. 00:08:48.079 --> 00:08:49.519 This then takes us then 00:08:49.519 --> 00:08:51.539 into the interpretation. 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:52.839 What can we learn 00:08:52.839 --> 00:08:54.019 from this scene? 00:08:54.579 --> 00:08:55.759 What can help us 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:57.139 grow in our faith? 00:08:57.199 --> 00:08:57.959 And the first one 00:08:57.959 --> 00:09:00.459 is that persistent prayer 00:09:00.459 --> 00:09:03.039 reveals real faith. 00:09:04.339 --> 00:09:05.699 The widow doesn't win 00:09:05.699 --> 00:09:06.719 by force. 00:09:07.059 --> 00:09:08.759 It's not like she's stronger 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:10.959 politically or physically. 00:09:11.959 --> 00:09:13.879 But she's showing her strength 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:14.879 by her persistence. 00:09:16.379 --> 00:09:17.879 Continuing to pray, 00:09:18.219 --> 00:09:19.879 enduring by that 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:21.039 faithful persistence. 00:09:21.539 --> 00:09:24.799 And Jesus is showing 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:26.539 that we, 00:09:26.719 --> 00:09:27.500 in the same way, 00:09:27.579 --> 00:09:28.980 are to be like that widow. 00:09:30.039 --> 00:09:31.759 Just as Scripture says, 00:09:31.839 --> 00:09:33.519 to pray without ceasing. 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:35.579 Do you see how that's 00:09:35.579 --> 00:09:36.339 connected there? 00:09:37.480 --> 00:09:38.959 An example of something 00:09:38.959 --> 00:09:39.439 like that. 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:40.779 Even when we find 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:41.480 in other verses 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:42.199 in Scripture, 00:09:42.439 --> 00:09:43.860 like Revelation 6.10, 00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:45.839 how long, O Lord? 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:48.379 Or in Psalm 81, 00:09:48.580 --> 00:09:49.500 or 88.1, 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:51.480 I cry out day and night 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:52.080 before you. 00:09:52.160 --> 00:09:53.160 This is nothing new. 00:09:53.700 --> 00:09:54.940 We find in Scripture 00:09:54.940 --> 00:09:56.639 that there are many people 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:57.940 and many situations 00:09:57.940 --> 00:09:59.700 where there is a cry 00:09:59.700 --> 00:10:00.360 to the Lord 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:01.500 for justice. 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:03.840 And I can't help 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:04.580 but think about 00:10:04.580 --> 00:10:05.519 even today, 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:09.820 are there still injustices 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:10.500 in the world? 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:12.440 Right? 00:10:12.440 --> 00:10:14.320 Are there still people 00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:14.980 that are, 00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:15.760 well, 00:10:15.880 --> 00:10:17.060 mistreating others? 00:10:17.780 --> 00:10:18.340 Absolutely. 00:10:19.300 --> 00:10:20.420 And we can go on 00:10:20.420 --> 00:10:21.240 and on about that. 00:10:21.300 --> 00:10:21.880 I'm just giving 00:10:21.880 --> 00:10:23.020 a broad view here 00:10:23.020 --> 00:10:24.380 because we can understand 00:10:24.380 --> 00:10:26.680 just as it says 00:10:26.680 --> 00:10:27.660 in Ecclesiastes 00:10:27.660 --> 00:10:28.920 that there's nothing new 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:29.740 under the sun. 00:10:29.880 --> 00:10:31.780 There are still injustices 00:10:31.780 --> 00:10:32.480 that happen 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:34.320 in our community, 00:10:34.560 --> 00:10:35.800 in this country, 00:10:35.800 --> 00:10:37.060 and even in the world. 00:10:37.059 --> 00:10:38.939 other Scriptures, 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:39.299 right? 00:10:39.579 --> 00:10:40.839 We know even 00:10:40.839 --> 00:10:44.419 so many times 00:10:44.419 --> 00:10:46.359 crying out to the Lord, 00:10:46.599 --> 00:10:47.659 hear my prayer. 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:49.459 There needs to be justice 00:10:49.459 --> 00:10:50.439 for this wrongdoing 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:51.219 that has happened. 00:10:52.439 --> 00:10:54.500 And it's continuing. 00:10:55.539 --> 00:10:56.939 Continue to pray 00:10:56.939 --> 00:10:57.639 to the Lord. 00:10:57.719 --> 00:10:59.539 Just like we don't 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:00.919 give up 00:11:00.919 --> 00:11:03.059 on people, 00:11:03.199 --> 00:11:03.979 we don't give up 00:11:03.979 --> 00:11:04.479 on the Lord. 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:06.000 we continue to pray 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:07.820 every single day. 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:09.539 And it can be 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:10.300 very frustrating 00:11:10.300 --> 00:11:11.220 for many of us 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:12.159 when we pray. 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:13.259 How many of us 00:11:13.259 --> 00:11:14.159 we've prayed for the, 00:11:14.480 --> 00:11:15.820 there's the classic scenario, 00:11:16.019 --> 00:11:17.000 you pray for patience 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.200 and then you get impatient 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:18.740 and you, 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:21.279 it's the classic scenario, 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:21.680 right? 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:24.480 Sometimes we pray 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:25.120 for a day 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:26.580 and we expect God 00:11:26.580 --> 00:11:26.820 to, 00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:28.399 for it to happen. 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:30.000 But it's all 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:31.000 on God's timing. 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:32.639 It's continuing 00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:33.320 to pray 00:11:33.320 --> 00:11:34.879 for when He will act. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.799 That's the thing. 00:11:38.840 --> 00:11:40.340 God will answer, 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:41.860 you've probably 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:42.740 heard this before 00:11:42.740 --> 00:11:43.639 in three ways. 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:44.259 It's yes, 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:44.639 no, 00:11:44.679 --> 00:11:45.519 or not yet. 00:11:46.940 --> 00:11:48.019 And we don't like 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:48.620 the not yet. 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:50.360 We'd rather hear 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:51.259 the no immediately 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:52.080 and move on. 00:11:53.299 --> 00:11:54.340 But in a lot 00:11:54.340 --> 00:11:55.419 of these situations, 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:56.440 we continue 00:11:56.440 --> 00:11:57.240 to pray. 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:58.899 I can tell you 00:11:58.899 --> 00:11:59.840 on a personal note, 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:01.060 there are people 00:12:01.060 --> 00:12:02.220 that I continue 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:03.000 to pray for 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:04.340 that have completely 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:05.560 gone off the deep end. 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:07.600 People that have 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:09.039 become anti-Christian, 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:09.899 people who have 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:10.399 become, 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:11.200 well, 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:12.600 like the wicked judge. 00:12:14.039 --> 00:12:15.440 Neither fearing God 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:16.600 nor respecting man. 00:12:16.680 --> 00:12:17.680 We may know people 00:12:17.680 --> 00:12:18.220 that are like 00:12:18.220 --> 00:12:19.120 that wicked judge. 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:20.919 And certainly, 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:22.080 in the same way 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:23.120 that we pray to God 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:24.000 for justice, 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:25.740 we can pray for 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.899 the heart of the judge, 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:29.100 human judges, 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:30.879 human beings, 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:31.500 people, 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:32.799 for their hearts 00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:33.740 to be softened. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:35.820 And that leads us 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:36.600 to the second one, 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:37.500 that God is not 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:38.279 like the judge. 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:39.299 Praise God 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:39.960 for that one. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:40.159 Amen. 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:43.019 The judge is 00:12:43.019 --> 00:12:44.440 a human being. 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:46.580 But he's a wicked 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:47.820 human being at that. 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:50.039 Not fearing God 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:50.279 and, 00:12:50.840 --> 00:12:51.039 well, 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:53.159 no love for people. 00:12:53.159 --> 00:12:54.240 It is the opposite. 00:12:54.439 --> 00:12:55.620 It's flipped on its head, 00:12:55.659 --> 00:12:55.899 right? 00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:57.639 The call to love God 00:12:57.639 --> 00:12:58.559 and to love people 00:12:58.559 --> 00:12:59.879 here is a scenario 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:00.779 where you see 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:01.819 the opposite. 00:13:02.959 --> 00:13:04.399 And perhaps the judge 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:05.360 is a representation 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:07.219 of those that are 00:13:07.219 --> 00:13:08.139 wicked, 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:10.079 even wicked systems 00:13:10.079 --> 00:13:10.799 in place. 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:12.219 Certainly, 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:13.719 we can think of 00:13:13.719 --> 00:13:15.139 systems that exist 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:16.179 in the world today 00:13:16.179 --> 00:13:16.860 that are wicked. 00:13:18.559 --> 00:13:20.299 And what's very interesting, 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.419 and I want to take a moment 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.759 for us to think about this, 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:24.339 because what Jesus 00:13:24.339 --> 00:13:25.039 is doing 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:25.620 is something 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:27.459 that is a common pattern 00:13:27.459 --> 00:13:28.480 throughout Scripture, 00:13:29.199 --> 00:13:30.740 where Christ is saying, 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:33.179 look at how this judge 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:34.339 was so bothered 00:13:34.339 --> 00:13:35.500 to give justice. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:37.019 How much more 00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:39.319 will God give justice 00:13:39.319 --> 00:13:40.579 to those that he love? 00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:42.079 It is a, 00:13:42.219 --> 00:13:43.059 I'm going to teach you 00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:44.120 some Jewish right now. 00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:47.000 Can you say, 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:47.460 Cal? 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:49.980 Cal 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:51.460 Vol Hamer. 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.560 Cal Vol Hamer. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:54.539 Okay? 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:56.320 And what that means 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:57.139 is from 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.179 lesser 00:13:58.179 --> 00:13:59.120 to greater. 00:13:59.580 --> 00:14:00.299 We find this 00:14:00.299 --> 00:14:01.039 in parables, 00:14:01.240 --> 00:14:01.820 we find this 00:14:01.820 --> 00:14:02.620 throughout Scripture. 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:04.100 Example is 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:05.279 the mustard seed, 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:06.259 right, 00:14:06.340 --> 00:14:06.899 being planted 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:07.620 into the ground, 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:08.620 representing the kingdom 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.100 of God 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:09.980 that is expanding. 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:11.700 In this situation, 00:14:11.700 --> 00:14:13.200 it is the justice 00:14:13.200 --> 00:14:14.600 of an unrighteous, 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.340 a wicked judge, 00:14:16.759 --> 00:14:17.500 and God saying, 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:18.060 hey, look, 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:19.860 my justice 00:14:19.860 --> 00:14:20.740 is much greater. 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:22.940 Or when we think of, 00:14:23.680 --> 00:14:23.840 well, 00:14:23.940 --> 00:14:24.800 trust in the Lord 00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:25.680 with all your heart 00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:26.320 and lean not 00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:27.440 in your own understanding 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:28.320 in all your ways, 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:29.220 acknowledge him. 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:31.879 how many of us 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:32.639 lean on our own 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:33.220 understanding, 00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:34.960 recognizing God 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:36.060 knows far more 00:14:36.060 --> 00:14:36.860 than what we 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:37.759 can comprehend 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:40.540 from lesser 00:14:40.540 --> 00:14:41.240 to greater. 00:14:41.320 --> 00:14:41.899 That's another way 00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:42.800 you can remember it, 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:43.040 right? 00:14:44.060 --> 00:14:44.860 That God 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:46.259 in his essence, 00:14:46.440 --> 00:14:47.500 who he is, 00:14:48.300 --> 00:14:49.740 is far greater. 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:50.259 How? 00:14:50.420 --> 00:14:51.440 It's the question of, 00:14:51.820 --> 00:14:52.940 it's literally translated 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:53.700 into the English, 00:14:54.019 --> 00:14:55.240 how much more? 00:14:56.040 --> 00:14:56.779 How much more 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:57.920 will God give justice? 00:14:58.060 --> 00:14:58.800 How much more 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:00.000 will God's love 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:01.439 be for his people? 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.839 Examples of this 00:15:02.839 --> 00:15:03.639 is in Jonah. 00:15:04.579 --> 00:15:05.479 If you guys remember 00:15:05.479 --> 00:15:06.359 the Jonah series 00:15:06.359 --> 00:15:07.599 where God provided 00:15:07.599 --> 00:15:08.399 a plant 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:09.659 to the prophet Jonah 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:10.359 and the plant 00:15:10.359 --> 00:15:11.500 provided shade 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:12.719 and Jonah 00:15:12.719 --> 00:15:13.919 was basically, 00:15:14.419 --> 00:15:15.899 that's a cool plant. 00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:17.279 I like a plant 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:18.399 that gives me good shade 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:19.699 and then the plant dies. 00:15:21.099 --> 00:15:21.399 And then, 00:15:21.459 --> 00:15:23.740 and then God is saying, 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:24.379 hey, 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:25.379 you were, 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.219 you were upset 00:15:26.219 --> 00:15:27.719 that this plant died. 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:28.779 How much more 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:29.839 do I mourn 00:15:29.839 --> 00:15:31.220 for my people? 00:15:33.839 --> 00:15:34.319 Lesser 00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:35.139 to greater, 00:15:35.819 --> 00:15:36.139 right? 00:15:37.039 --> 00:15:37.919 It's showing 00:15:37.919 --> 00:15:38.959 God's, 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:40.759 it's the magnification 00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:41.879 to show God's love 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:42.519 for his people. 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:44.259 I mean, 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:44.899 I can imagine 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:45.600 having a tree 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.939 that gave really good shade 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:47.459 and it died. 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:48.480 It really upset me. 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.559 But think for a moment, 00:15:50.699 --> 00:15:51.399 how much more 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.439 is God's love 00:15:52.439 --> 00:15:53.860 for his people? 00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:55.959 Even in, 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:56.399 well, 00:15:56.539 --> 00:15:57.199 it's the question, 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:57.920 if Jonah loves 00:15:57.920 --> 00:15:58.400 a plant, 00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:58.980 how much more 00:15:58.980 --> 00:15:59.700 will God love 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.960 the city of Nineveh? 00:16:01.300 --> 00:16:03.080 In Luke chapter 11, 00:16:03.320 --> 00:16:04.280 verse 13, 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:06.020 if flawed parents 00:16:06.020 --> 00:16:07.240 give good gifts, 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.759 how much more 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:09.680 will God give 00:16:09.680 --> 00:16:10.640 to his own? 00:16:11.820 --> 00:16:13.160 Or even in Matthew 00:16:13.160 --> 00:16:13.960 chapter 6, 00:16:14.020 --> 00:16:14.680 verse 30, 00:16:14.840 --> 00:16:16.140 if God clothes 00:16:16.140 --> 00:16:16.860 the grass, 00:16:17.080 --> 00:16:17.860 how much more 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:18.720 will he provide 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:19.600 for his children? 00:16:21.400 --> 00:16:22.360 Do you get it? 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.360 God's love 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.980 is showing 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:26.039 the magnitude 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:26.659 of God. 00:16:27.600 --> 00:16:28.659 And so this judge 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:30.019 is basically 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:30.620 showing 00:16:30.620 --> 00:16:31.980 the limited, 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:34.039 the limit, 00:16:34.279 --> 00:16:36.440 limited ability 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:37.980 of what a human 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:38.560 can give. 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:39.960 And Christ 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:40.680 is using this 00:16:40.680 --> 00:16:41.639 as a teaching moment 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:42.340 for what God 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:42.860 can give 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.300 as something 00:16:44.300 --> 00:16:45.060 that is greater. 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.360 The third thing 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:47.180 then is that 00:16:47.180 --> 00:16:48.620 faith must endure 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.580 in a world 00:16:49.580 --> 00:16:50.500 gone cold 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:51.659 or even in a world 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:52.539 that's gone mad. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:53.919 We know this world 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:54.620 has gone cold. 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:56.299 How many of you 00:16:56.299 --> 00:16:57.080 heard that song, 00:16:57.179 --> 00:16:57.779 What the World 00:16:57.779 --> 00:16:58.519 Needs Now 00:16:58.519 --> 00:16:59.259 is Love, 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.000 Sweet Love? 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:02.539 Amen to that. 00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:04.559 They need the love 00:17:04.559 --> 00:17:05.220 of Christ. 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:08.599 It's very unfortunate 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:09.819 when people 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.799 are divided, 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:12.920 exhibiting hatred 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:13.599 and anger 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:14.519 towards one another. 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.680 Let us recognize 00:17:17.680 --> 00:17:19.400 then the love 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:20.259 that God has. 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:20.660 Jesus 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:22.539 is closing 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:23.420 with this question, 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:24.940 Will He find faith? 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:27.339 Isn't it interesting 00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:28.319 that even in the 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.539 Garden of Gethsemane 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.279 where He asked 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:30.980 His disciples 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:31.960 to pray with Him, 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:33.480 were they all praying? 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.500 Or did He come 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.559 and they were all asleep? 00:17:37.099 --> 00:17:37.779 Some of you 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:38.440 know that story. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.900 It's the same kind 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:41.379 of question 00:17:41.379 --> 00:17:42.519 that Christ is asking. 00:17:43.579 --> 00:17:44.879 Let us not be 00:17:44.879 --> 00:17:45.440 asleep. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.400 Let us remain 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:48.779 faithful to the Lord 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:50.299 even when we 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:51.240 continue to pray 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.079 without ceasing 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:52.599 and we're not 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:53.500 having answers. 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:55.399 Let us be faithful 00:17:55.399 --> 00:17:56.299 in our prayers. 00:17:59.059 --> 00:18:00.059 It's showing 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:01.200 the faith 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:01.779 and devotion 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.579 that we have 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.759 to the Lord. 00:18:03.859 --> 00:18:04.559 In Matthew 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.460 chapter 24 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:06.180 verse 12 00:18:06.180 --> 00:18:07.319 it talks about 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.119 the love 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:08.819 of many 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.940 will grow 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:10.680 cold. 00:18:10.680 --> 00:18:12.779 and oh 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:13.480 does this world 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:14.120 grow cold. 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:18.080 Even at Luke 00:18:18.080 --> 00:18:19.100 chapter 21 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:19.980 verse 36 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:20.980 where Christ is saying 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.960 to stay awake 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:23.900 at all times. 00:18:24.900 --> 00:18:25.880 So it's not 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.600 just about 00:18:26.600 --> 00:18:27.500 the question 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.680 of if Jesus 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:29.320 returns, 00:18:29.320 --> 00:18:31.140 it's about us 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:31.940 believing 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:33.060 and continuing 00:18:33.060 --> 00:18:33.960 to be faithful 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.440 to Him 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:36.279 when He does. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:38.079 we've got 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:39.000 to remain faithful 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:39.960 even in times 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:40.660 of trials, 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.579 even in times 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:42.720 of injustice, 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:44.019 even in seasons 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:44.980 of delay. 00:18:47.180 --> 00:18:48.079 None of us 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:48.480 here have never 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.039 experienced, 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:49.339 right? 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:50.599 Or have we 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:51.440 had those moments 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:51.879 before 00:18:51.879 --> 00:18:53.200 where we've had 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:53.940 to patiently 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:55.119 wait upon the Lord 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:55.940 and His timing. 00:18:57.319 --> 00:18:58.379 We continue 00:18:58.379 --> 00:18:59.059 on. 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.579 And that leads 00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:02.099 us then 00:19:02.099 --> 00:19:03.359 into the application 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:03.899 then is 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:04.639 how do I 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:05.339 apply this 00:19:05.339 --> 00:19:06.119 to my life? 00:19:06.199 --> 00:19:06.579 All right, 00:19:06.659 --> 00:19:06.980 Pastor, 00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:07.519 you talked 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.059 about this 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:09.159 persistent widow 00:19:09.159 --> 00:19:10.039 who was annoying 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:10.799 to a judge 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.439 and the judge 00:19:11.439 --> 00:19:11.799 is like, 00:19:11.899 --> 00:19:12.319 all right? 00:19:12.659 --> 00:19:13.159 And Jesus 00:19:13.159 --> 00:19:13.740 is saying, 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.379 my justice 00:19:14.379 --> 00:19:15.079 is greater 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:15.679 than that. 00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:17.000 How do I 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.740 live this out? 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:18.959 Well, 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:20.079 the first one 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:20.799 is to keep 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.279 praying 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:22.779 even when it 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:23.220 does feel 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:23.659 pointless. 00:19:25.139 --> 00:19:25.879 Some of us 00:19:25.879 --> 00:19:26.419 have had that 00:19:26.419 --> 00:19:27.000 frustration. 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:28.359 Why am I 00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:28.799 even praying 00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:29.599 for this person? 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:31.579 You keep 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.299 praying for them. 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:34.559 Like the widow, 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:35.919 show up, 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:36.859 keep praying, 00:19:36.919 --> 00:19:38.359 and stay 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:38.819 faithful 00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:40.700 because God 00:19:40.700 --> 00:19:42.019 hears our 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:42.480 prayers. 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:46.139 In Romans 00:19:46.139 --> 00:19:47.000 chapter 12, 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.679 verse 12, 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:49.279 be constant 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.559 in prayer. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.079 The second 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:53.700 thing then 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:55.859 is to trust 00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.799 God's character 00:19:56.799 --> 00:19:58.539 over corrupt 00:19:58.539 --> 00:19:59.319 systems. 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:02.279 well, 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:03.679 you should 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:03.980 know. 00:20:04.139 --> 00:20:04.519 If you 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:04.980 don't know, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:05.439 you should 00:20:05.439 --> 00:20:05.759 know. 00:20:06.939 --> 00:20:07.419 Earthly 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:08.079 systems 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:10.019 can be 00:20:10.019 --> 00:20:11.319 unjust. 00:20:11.679 --> 00:20:11.980 They can 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:12.779 be biased. 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:13.240 They can 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.700 be wicked. 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.039 I'm not 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:14.519 saying all 00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:15.299 systems are, 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:16.099 but they 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:16.399 certainly 00:20:16.399 --> 00:20:17.099 can be. 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.119 And 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:21.240 God 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.619 does not 00:20:21.619 --> 00:20:22.079 get worn 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:22.399 down. 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.819 God has 00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:25.539 much greater 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:26.159 love, 00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:27.419 mercy, 00:20:27.420 --> 00:20:27.779 and 00:20:27.779 --> 00:20:28.340 justice. 00:20:30.340 --> 00:20:31.360 Think about 00:20:31.360 --> 00:20:31.700 that. 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:34.800 In 00:20:34.800 --> 00:20:35.940 Lamentations, 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.100 that's a 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:37.460 book we 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:38.259 don't really 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:38.840 think about. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.420 Chapter 3, 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.240 verse 25, 00:20:42.360 --> 00:20:42.779 the Lord 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:43.460 is good 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.480 to those 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:45.340 who wait. 00:20:46.940 --> 00:20:47.340 It's a good 00:20:47.340 --> 00:20:47.820 encouragement 00:20:47.820 --> 00:20:48.580 from such 00:20:48.580 --> 00:20:50.920 a sad 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:51.240 book 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.519 in Scripture. 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:57.519 And then 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.000 the third 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:58.279 one, 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:58.519 then, 00:20:58.599 --> 00:20:59.019 is to 00:20:59.019 --> 00:20:59.339 guard 00:20:59.339 --> 00:20:59.680 your 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:00.220 faith 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:00.879 in the 00:21:00.879 --> 00:21:01.259 delay. 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:04.519 It can 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:05.039 be challenging 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:05.599 for us to 00:21:05.599 --> 00:21:06.119 understand 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.559 God's 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:06.859 timing. 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:07.259 I get 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:07.460 it. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.400 When we 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:09.660 pray, 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:10.059 we want 00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:10.319 it to 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:10.559 happen 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:10.900 now. 00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:11.799 But we 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:12.059 are to 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.440 remain 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:13.039 faithful 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:14.220 in our 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.599 prayer. 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:15.619 Don't 00:21:15.619 --> 00:21:16.079 let the 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:16.740 silence, 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.639 don't let 00:21:18.639 --> 00:21:19.579 it harden 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:20.539 your heart. 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.579 let me 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:21.940 say that 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.339 one more 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:22.700 time. 00:21:23.460 --> 00:21:24.000 Don't 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.420 let the 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.159 silence, 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:26.539 don't let 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.240 the delay 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.240 harden 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.259 your heart. 00:21:30.899 --> 00:21:31.539 We 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.420 continue to 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:33.180 pray for 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.779 those whose 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:34.579 hearts are 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:34.980 hardened, 00:21:35.659 --> 00:21:36.539 don't become 00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:37.059 the very 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:37.579 thing that 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:38.059 they are. 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:40.180 Pray for 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:40.659 God's 00:21:40.659 --> 00:21:41.200 intervention 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:42.119 on whether 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:42.759 there are 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.299 wicked 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:44.019 judges that 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:44.399 you know. 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:44.839 You may 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:45.720 know someone 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.339 that is 00:21:46.339 --> 00:21:46.940 like that. 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:48.960 It is a 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:49.619 call for us 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:50.519 to continue 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:51.039 to pray 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:51.680 for those 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.160 in 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:52.759 authority, 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.500 those that 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:54.980 we know 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:55.279 that, 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.119 well, 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:56.579 they need 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.720 a softening 00:21:57.720 --> 00:21:58.180 of the 00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:58.519 heart. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:00.940 Just as 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.680 in Galatians 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:02.359 chapter 6 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:02.920 verse 9, 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.460 it says, 00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:04.500 don't grow 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.619 weary in 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.279 doing good, 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.500 or even 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.079 when Christ 00:22:08.079 --> 00:22:08.839 says to 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:10.000 keep watch. 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:12.519 And so 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:12.900 we think 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:13.420 about these 00:22:13.420 --> 00:22:13.920 things. 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.599 Who do 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.200 you identify 00:22:16.200 --> 00:22:16.680 with? 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:17.920 Do you 00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.839 identify more 00:22:18.839 --> 00:22:19.939 with the 00:22:19.939 --> 00:22:20.459 persistent 00:22:20.459 --> 00:22:20.759 widow? 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:21.959 Or do 00:22:21.959 --> 00:22:22.500 you identify 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:22.980 more with 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.480 the judge? 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:24.839 If you 00:22:24.839 --> 00:22:25.539 identify more 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:25.879 with the 00:22:25.879 --> 00:22:26.199 judge, 00:22:26.980 --> 00:22:28.059 I pray that 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:28.480 your heart 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.319 is softened, 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:30.399 that you 00:22:30.399 --> 00:22:30.859 come to 00:22:30.859 --> 00:22:31.359 know the 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:31.599 Lord, 00:22:31.679 --> 00:22:31.980 and that 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:33.179 you will 00:22:33.179 --> 00:22:33.599 have a 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:34.019 love for 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.559 God and 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:34.839 a love 00:22:34.839 --> 00:22:35.480 for people. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:36.919 And if 00:22:36.919 --> 00:22:37.559 you identify 00:22:37.559 --> 00:22:38.159 with the 00:22:38.159 --> 00:22:38.839 widow who's 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:39.519 constantly 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:40.359 praying for 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:41.059 friends and 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:41.539 families, 00:22:41.899 --> 00:22:43.699 or asking 00:22:43.699 --> 00:22:44.220 God for 00:22:44.220 --> 00:22:44.740 justice, 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:46.819 don't lose 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:47.220 heart. 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:49.519 You keep 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.079 praying. 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:50.759 You keep 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.200 praying. 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:52.819 Pray without 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.380 ceasing. 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:55.380 That is a 00:22:55.380 --> 00:22:56.400 good thing 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.720 for us to 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.160 learn in 00:22:58.160 --> 00:22:58.500 all of 00:22:58.500 --> 00:22:58.779 this. 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.099 And so, 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:01.599 like it 00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:01.920 says, 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.279 keep praying 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:03.880 even when it 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:04.099 feels 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:04.599 pointland. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:05.440 Trust in 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.140 who God 00:23:06.140 --> 00:23:06.799 is. 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.420 And guard 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.059 your faith. 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.240 Protect 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:11.620 it. 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.200 Don't be 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:13.920 discouraged. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.720 Know that 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.220 God is 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:16.720 there for 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:16.980 you, 00:23:17.120 --> 00:23:18.120 and he 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:19.180 will answer 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:19.839 in his 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:20.319 timing. 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:22.599 We don't 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:23.039 know when, 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.759 but we 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.180 know that 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:26.039 God will 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:26.799 answer again 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:27.299 in those 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:27.900 three ways. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:28.240 It could 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:28.819 be a yes, 00:23:28.940 --> 00:23:29.220 it could 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:29.680 be a no, 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.240 it might 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:30.839 be a not 00:23:30.839 --> 00:23:31.140 yet. 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:33.960 It's in 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.559 those times 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:35.059 of waiting 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.819 we remain 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.519 faithful to 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:36.920 the Lord. 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.400 Just like 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.359 the widow, 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.480 she cried 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:43.920 out for 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:44.480 justice. 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:47.359 And even 00:23:47.359 --> 00:23:54.779 let us 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:55.200 remember 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:56.839 that last 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:57.240 verse at 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:57.599 the end. 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.039 When the 00:23:59.039 --> 00:23:59.359 Son of 00:23:59.359 --> 00:24:00.099 Man comes, 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.660 will he 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.460 find faith? 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:02.680 And I 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.259 pray that 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:04.140 for each 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:04.500 and every 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:04.880 one of 00:24:04.880 --> 00:24:05.180 us, 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.559 we patiently 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:07.259 wait upon 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:07.740 the Lord, 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:08.440 we remain 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:09.319 faithful to 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:09.579 him, 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.519 and we 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:10.980 don't 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:11.660 lose 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:12.039 heart. 00:24:12.039 --> 00:24:13.259 let's 00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:13.440 pray 00:24:13.440 --> 00:24:13.819 together. 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:15.659 And 00:24:15.659 --> 00:24:15.899 Father, 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:19.259 we thank 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:19.599 you for 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:19.879 this 00:24:19.879 --> 00:24:20.279 parable. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:23.099 It's a 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:23.680 very different 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:24.420 parable as 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:24.960 it's talking 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:27.220 about human 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:27.799 judges, 00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:29.319 but there's 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:29.980 such depth 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:30.460 in this, 00:24:30.659 --> 00:24:30.759 Father, 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.059 when it 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:32.619 talks about 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.139 how much 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:33.700 more your 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.659 justice is 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:36.240 for us. 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:38.519 Just like 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.519 how greater 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.240 your love 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:40.700 is, 00:24:41.320 --> 00:24:41.720 and how 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.400 greater your 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.240 mercy is. 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:45.220 And 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:45.420 Father, 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.160 we recognize 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:46.680 that there 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:48.120 are unjust 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:48.880 people and 00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:49.580 there's unjust 00:24:49.580 --> 00:24:50.360 systems in 00:24:50.360 --> 00:24:50.759 the world. 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:53.400 Father, 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:53.759 if there's 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:54.299 anyone that 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:54.819 we know 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:55.819 specifically 00:24:55.819 --> 00:24:56.500 that needs 00:24:56.500 --> 00:24:57.379 that kind 00:24:57.379 --> 00:24:57.819 of prayer 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:59.160 that instead 00:24:59.160 --> 00:25:01.559 of disrespecting 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:03.180 God or not 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:03.759 having a love 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.480 for God or 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.279 respect for 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:05.640 people, 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:06.980 we pray that 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:07.759 hearts will be 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:08.400 transformed, 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:10.160 whether that 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:10.920 is a literal 00:25:10.920 --> 00:25:12.420 judge or 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:12.839 maybe a 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:14.819 politician or 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:16.379 maybe a 00:25:16.379 --> 00:25:17.119 family member, 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:19.299 maybe someone 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.240 that we know 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:22.079 who goes to 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:22.680 class with 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.019 us, 00:25:23.980 --> 00:25:24.940 maybe someone 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:25.599 who works 00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:27.720 in the same 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.259 department, 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:30.519 or maybe it's 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:31.079 just someone 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:33.099 that we've 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:33.859 forgotten about 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:35.259 that needs 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:35.880 that prayer. 00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:37.559 Father, 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:38.279 we recognize 00:25:38.279 --> 00:25:39.120 the power of 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:39.759 prayer and we 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.480 recognize that 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.200 you hear our 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:41.640 prayers, 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:44.120 but we have 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:44.759 to trust in 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.299 your timing 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.380 and in your 00:25:46.380 --> 00:25:46.839 answer. 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:48.980 And so, 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:49.319 Father, 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:51.220 we thank you 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:52.240 for this 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.120 wonderful parable 00:25:53.120 --> 00:25:53.880 that shows us 00:25:53.880 --> 00:25:54.339 how much 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:55.620 greater you 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:57.000 are than 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.720 us as human 00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:58.140 beings. 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.880 We love you, 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.339 we praise you, 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.400 we glorify you, 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:03.640 and we honor you. 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:04.720 It is in the name 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.539 of Jesus Christ 00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:06.359 that we pray and 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:06.779 we all say 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.140 together, 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:07.539 amen. 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:08.500 Amen. 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:08.599 Amen. 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:11.099 Thank you for 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:11.859 listening for this 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:12.799 week's message from 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.640 Ontario Community 00:26:13.640 --> 00:26:14.039 Church. 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:15.720 I pray that you 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:17.039 are encouraged and 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.960 strengthened in your 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.819 walk with Christ. 00:26:19.380 --> 00:26:20.339 For more sermons and 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.779 resources, visit 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:24.180 OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:26.099 May God bless you as 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.900 you live out his 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:28.000 grace and truth 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:29.180 every single day. 00:26:38.500 --> 00:26:39.619 Thank you. 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:39.619 00:26:39.619 --> 00:27:09.599 Thank you.