Shall He Find Faith on the Earth? (Luke 18:8)

2022-04-13

After the Lord was speaking to His disciples about His return, He told them a parable about prayer, “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Even a judge that has no regard for God will answer a widow that asks vengeance for her enemy because of her persistence. How much more will God, who loves His people, answer their prayers? Consider this:

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:7-8)

We see a few things here. First, the elect “cry day and night unto him.” It is assumed that His people do pray constantly; His parable is encouragement for His people to continue doing so.

Also, God avenges His people. His people are His special possession; He is zealous for them.

Finally, Jesus alluded to His coming, tying this passage again to the previous passage. He implied that there will be few people of faith left when He comes. Noah’s day saw eight saved; Lot’s day saw three.

This parable is eschatological in nature; before His coming we know there will be a falling away and persecution. Prayer will be an integral part of what believers do in those times. Now is a good time to start praying like we live in those days.