Today's Passage: Luke 18

We can see persistence in every story of this chapter, and it begs the question: how persistent are we?

The parable of the widow:  She was so persistent with her request to the judge that he finally filled it.  Are we this persistent with our requests to our loving and merciful God?

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: The Pharisee consistently prayed for himself in pride.  The tax collector persistently confessed his sin and asked mercy.  Do we have the persistence of the Pharisee or the tax collector?

The little children & Jesus:  Oh to run to Jesus as a child!!  I can't help but think of college friends of mine who celebrated the birthday this week of their third daughter who was tragically killed by a car when she was not quite 3 years old. No doubt, she is running to Jesus even now in heaven.  Knowing her parents, I think the joy of her life helps them run to Jesus just as persistently as she does in His presence! Do we run to Jesus like that?

The rich young ruler:  His lack of persistence kept him from following Jesus.  How many of us are holding on to one last thing, which is also keeping us from truly following our Savior?

Jesus predicting his death:  Jesus continually tried to prepare the disciples for what was to come.  They could not understand it.  Are we in a place in our relationship with Jesus that we can understand His nudgings, whisperings, his plans?

A blind beggar receives his sight:  When told to be quiet, he cried out all the more for Jesus' ultimate healing.  Do we cry out like this for Jesus to heal all of our diseases, hurts, and sin?

May God bless us with persistence in our relationship with Him!