Pray Because God Is Good, Not You.

Luke 18 starts off with a parable that clearly reveals the point of the story:

Luke 18:1 (ESV) And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Doesn't get clearer than that.  The point of this story is to encourage us to pray at all times no matter what it looks like.

A poor widow facing an evil judge persists in asking for justice.  She couldn't have faced a worse situation.  A judge with no conscience... and she's a widow (despised in those days).  Though the judge tries to refuse, eventually he gives in.

And Jesus admonishes us:
Luke 18:6 (ESV) Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

In this parable, Jesus uses an opposing hyperbole.  The unjust judge is as far as you can get from God. If she could get an answer for an evil man, how much more can we expect an answer from a GOOD GOD! The reality we should walk away with is this: Prayer is not based on our goodness, but on God's goodness.  We can approach Him as we are, where we are seeking answers to prayer because He is good, not because we are good.

As if to make it clearer, the next parable is between a tax collector and pharisee.  The pharisee seems like he should get an answer based on his reputation... which is probably why he bases his request on his character.  The tax collector simply asks for mercy knowing he deserves nothing.  

Jesus says:
Luke 18:14 (ESV) I tell you, this man (tax collector) went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Prayer is not based on your goodness but on God's goodness.

As if to drive the point home completely, a rich young ruler comes to Jesus asking what he needs for eternal life... Being rich was a sign of God's blessing in those days.  Surely he made the cut of deserving something extra from God. Surely he's good???

NOPE. Jesus says "sell all and give to the poor"... In other words, what you think makes you good enough for God... get rid of it.  And then what?  "COME FOLLOW ME".  You aren't good enough, but Jesus is good enough and you can have Him!

Jesus is the goodness of God toward us.  He is the reason we can approach the Father with faith and confidence.  NOTHING we have or have done is the basis for our prayer... the basis for our prayer is the goodness of God.  

Psalm 145:9 (ESV) The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

That's good to know.

PRAYER:

Father, I thank you that you are good.  You are not like the unjust judge.  You, Lord are good to all You have made.  I stand in boldness and ask you for a fresh touch of Your presence and power in my life to bring honor to Jesus and glory to Your Name!