Wednesday 05 June 2013
- Bible Book:
- Luke
“I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.” (v. 8)
Background
This story comes after the story of Mary and Martha when Christencourages Martha to allow Mary to remain reflecting (
Persistence is not something that I have considered to be aparticularly endearing quality for us as Christians. Thepossibility that generosity is being given in bad grace, I wouldsuggest, does not speak well for future relationships! But here wehave Jesus actively encouraging us to keep banging on the door, notto give up until we get there. He uses the illustration of knockingon a neighbours door in the small hours to ask for food, which is apractical example of how needs may be met.
Set within the context of prayer and deep reflection it seems tome that this parable is not about material needs being satisfied,but rather about how our need for prayer must be earnestly soughtafter as the thing we should be asking for. In verse 13 Luke'sGospel then goes on to say that the greatest thing we can ask foris the gift of the Holy Spirit.
If our relationship with Christ is to be sustained, we need thefood that prayer gives us: the sort of food that is central, towhom we are as Christian people; the food that keeps Christ at thecentre of our lives. For in the to and fro of asking and receivingwe may find the still centre that nourishes and nurtures all thatis of God.
To Ponder
- Spend some time today in silence. Prepare the space that youwill 'be' in, and in the preparation think about what you are doingand why. Listen to the silence, feel it inside you. As you prepareto leave your place of silence observe how you are.
- Think about all those who are surrounded by a silence that isoppressive to them or those who are surrounded by noisecontinually. Give thanks for the opportunities you have to choosehow and where you lead your life.