A lawyer arrives in heaven and quickly discovers why appeals are handled far more slowly there than in hell. That joke opens a reflection on the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18), a story Jesus told his disciples before their world came apart. The sermon also turns to Eric Liddell and William Borden, men who gave up everything and never saw a happy ending. Listen, if you have been praying a long time and are still waiting for an answer.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Luke 18:1-8 the judge neither fears God nor cares about people, and the widow has no one to stand up for her in court. What does this contrast tell us about her situation and her persistence?
- Jesus tells this parable right after speaking about days when the disciples will long for Him and confusion will surround them. Why does He teach them to always pray and not lose heart in exactly this context?
- Jesus compares God with the unjust judge: if even he finally listened to the widow, how much more will the Father listen to His children. How does this argument shape your thinking about whether God hears you?
- The speaker described training for a mountain marathon because the future race affects how he lives today. How can the hope of Jesus' return and His justice shape your prayer life right now?
- Eric Liddell and William Borden gave up everything and died young, and in Borden's Bible were the words: no regrets. What helps you keep trusting God and praying when life feels unfair and no answer is in sight?
- What situation or injustice in your life do you want to keep bringing to God persistently this week, like the widow, and how specifically can you do that?
