Sermon on Luke 18:7 | by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?" — Luke 18:7

Explanation:
This verse highlights a distinct group—"His chosen ones." In the past, the Jewish people were God’s chosen nation. Now, Christians are recognized as His chosen people. However, this verse extends beyond any specific group or era. It encompasses all believers, regardless of their time or background, who have been appointed and set apart by God.

As His chosen ones, they are compelled to cry out to Him. This act of crying out is intrinsic to their identity. They do not cry out for a single day and then fall silent; instead, they persist in prayer day and night. This relentless devotion is a defining characteristic of their nature.

Two key traits reveal their identity as God’s chosen people:

1. Day and night – their unwavering persistence in prayer.
2. Crying out – their profound dependence on God.

These qualities affirm that they are truly God’s appointed and chosen people.

Those who do not cry out to God, and those whose cries are not persistent day and night, are not part of His chosen ones. How can such individuals belong to the bride of Christ, the Church? If someone cries out one day but falls silent the next, how can they remain in His presence? If the fervour of their prayers diminishes, how can they stand firm?

This verse emphasizes the importance of intense, heartfelt prayer. When does ordinary prayer transform into fervent prayer? It is during times of suffering and trial. When we reach a point of desperation and cry out, "I am crying out day and night," we must ask ourselves two critical questions:

1. Am I truly crying out to God?
2. Is my cry persistent, day and night?

These questions reveal whether we are truly part of the bride of Christ. Those who are not chosen may pray, but their prayers lack consistency and depth. They may pray intensely for a few days or nights, but their fervour soon fades. They might say, "No matter how much I try to pray, I cannot sustain it." While occasional moments of fervour may arise, they cannot maintain a consistent, unwavering prayer life.

The chosen people, the true believers, are those who emerge from among the appointed ones—whether Jews or Christians. What becomes clear is that the chosen people are not defined by their name or lineage. They are not nominal Jews, who are descendants of Abraham by flesh alone, nor are they nominal Christians, who have merely been baptized. Rather, the chosen people are those who possess the faith of Abraham. They are the true believers, marked by their persistent, heartfelt cries to God.

Christians are part of God’s chosen people, but without faith, this chosen status holds no value. Crying out to God is not merely about praying or making requests; it is about weeping, pleading, and calling out in desperation. It is like shouting for help in times of trouble. When in distress, people cry out loudly, not just once but repeatedly, calling for someone to come to their aid.

Believers, too, face many trials and sufferings. Therefore, they cry out to God. For example, when the Israelites suffered in slavery, they cried out to God, and He sent Moses to deliver them. To whom is this act of crying out directed? The answer is clear: it is directed to God. This principle applies to all people, across all nations. The chosen believers come from every tribe and nation.

When the time comes to enter the heavenly kingdom, the question will not be, "Are they Jews or Christians?" but rather, "Are they believers or unbelievers?" This is what truly matters.

The verse also speaks of God bringing about justice. In the parable, there is a dispute between a woman and her adversary. The judge is expected to grant justice to both parties. This illustrates three key challenges believers face:

1. Spiritual Opposition: No matter how devoutly we live, the forces of evil constantly rise against us.
2. Inner Struggles: Despite our efforts to maintain peace of mind, temptations and distractions arise, leading to turmoil.
3. Human Conflict: Some people become adversaries, spreading slander and causing harm.

In all these situations, crying out to God in faith is essential. It is through persistent, heartfelt prayer that we find deliverance and justice.

Believers bring these three cases before the throne of God. From the first day they present their case until the final resolution, many days may pass. During this time, it may seem as though God is not listening to their pleas, day or night. However, in the end, He will surely answer.

Even an unjust judge eventually grants justice—how much more will the just God, who is righteous and faithful, bring about justice for His people? This is a lesson we must learn and deeply understand. It is for this reason that the concept of justice is highlighted in this parable.

1. Note: A Reminder from Revelation

In this context, let us recall a significant event from the Book of Revelation. From the fall of Adam until the battle of Armageddon, Satan and his forces—along with human enemies, poisonous creatures, and wild animals—have been allowed to test and afflict humanity. However, during the battle of Armageddon:

1. Satan will be bound.
2. The Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire.
3. The false prophet will be cast into the fiery lake.
4. All demons will be thrown into hell.
5. All unrepentant evildoers will perish.
6. The harmful traits of poisonous creatures and wild animals will be removed.
7. The entire earth will be cleansed of thorns, thistles, and all things that cause harm to humanity.

2. Note: A Time of Ease and Righteous Living

After this, there will be no more forces to test or afflict humanity. Living a devout and righteous life will become effortless. Until then, from Adam to Armageddon, believers have been crying out to God like the woman in the parable, pleading, "Lord, remove the things that test and afflict us!"

During this time, their cries may seem unanswered, but after Armageddon, their prayers will be fully answered.

3. Understanding Justice

1. Justice in Punishment: It is just to face consequences for sin.
2. Justice in Prayer: It is also just to experience relief from suffering through prayer.

God demonstrated His ultimate justice by giving His Son for us. In doing so, He gave us everything, for all that we acquire in this world pales in comparison to the gift of His Son. Christ is everything, and by giving Him, God has given us all things. Scripture affirms that God did not hold back.

Why would God send His Son to a world filled with sinners, a world tainted by impurity, dominated by evil, and inhabited by those who reject, despise, and persecute Him? It would have been just for God to withhold His Son, for no one could have blamed Him. Yet, He sent Him anyway. He did not hold back.

Even earthly parents, who have only one son, would hesitate to send him into danger. How much more should God, the Father of all, have hesitated to send His only Son, who is far greater than all the sons of men? Yet, God did not hesitate. Scripture declares that this Son was given as a gift for all. The phrase "for all" reveals that Christ is the Savior of the entire world, not just for one nation or people.

The New Testament was written not only for Jews or Christians but for all humanity. While some may benefit less from the Savior, the Bible’s message of "for all" is clear and universal. It is a joy to read and embrace.

God gave His Son and entrusted Him to us. The act of giving is an act of grace, not based on the worthiness of the recipient but on the generosity of the Giver. To entrust means to hand over with responsibility. For example, if an author hands a book to a student and says, "I entrust this book to you," it implies that the student must read it, follow its teachings, instruct others, and guard it carefully to prevent damage or theft.

Similarly, when God entrusted His Son to us, He placed upon us the responsibility to cherish, follow, and share Him with the world.