Persistence is a Virtue

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8 (NRSVue)

In Jesus’ parable we encounter the persistent and pugnacious widow who wouldn’t stop hounding the unjust judge until she got justice from her adversary. The cold-hearted judge finally gave up and gave the widow justice, just so he wouldn’t have to deal with this nuisance who was wearing him out (literally translated “black eye”). Jesus then applies the story to our lives: be like the widow and be tenacious in prayer. Don’t despair! Keep the faith! Don’t give up the pursuit of justice and mercy, because our just and merciful God is not like that unjust judge–God listens to our prayers and will come through because he wants to. “Faith on earth” often takes not a meek and mild pie in the sky piety, but a bold, gutsy, gritty, and earthy trust in God where you keep pressing in and refuse to take no for an answer. Have the faith and prayer life of that tenacious widow with a wicked right hook.

October 16, 2022

8:30am – Alternative Worship Service Bulletin
11:00am – Traditional Worship Service Bulletin

Bible Study – “Persistence is a Virtue” (Luke 18:1-8 NRSVue)

Sermon Art – Old Woman with a Rosary, Paul Cezanne, 1896, wikiart.org

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Other Sermons In This Series

Thirsty Camels

July 09, 2023

Making Our Way Stage by Stage

June 11, 2023

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

February 19, 2023