Commentary on Luke 18:7

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

Introduction

Luke 18:7 is a profound statement regarding the nature of God's justice and the assurance of answered prayers for His people. This verse follows the parable of the unjust judge, accentuating the belief that while earthly judges may be indifferent, God’s justice is assured for His elect.

Exegesis

This verse serves as a rhetorical question, suggesting that if an unjust judge can eventually be moved by persistent pleas, how much more will a just and loving God respond to the heartfelt cries of His chosen ones? This highlights the contrast between human authorities and divine governance.

The Nature of God's Justice

• Divine Response: Matthew Henry points out that God's response to the prayers of His elect is not only assured but also heartfelt. He will avenge those who call upon Him with persistence and faith.
• Chosen Ones: Albert Barnes emphasizes the identity of the "elect." This refers to those whom God has chosen for salvation, underscoring the relationship between the believer and God, which grants confidence in God's timely intervention.
• Divine Delay: Adam Clarke notes the phrase "though he bear long with them," suggesting that while it may seem as though God delays, His timing is perfect, and His answers come at the right moment.

Meaning and Implications

The implications of this verse extend into various doctrines and practical applications within the Christian faith:

• Prayer and Persistence: The exhortation for believers to persist in prayer demonstrates a profound call to faith. Each cry of the elect represents not just a request, but a relationship grounded in trust with God.
• Encouragement in Suffering: For those facing trials, this verse provides reassurance that God hears their pleas, even when the answers are not immediate. This can serve as a source of immense comfort during difficult times.
• God's Sovereignty and Justice: The assurance of God's eventual vindication reinforces the theological understanding that God is both sovereign and just. His justice is not to be equated with human understanding of timeliness; rather, it is shaped by divine wisdom.

Practical Application for Believers

As this verse is dissected, various practical implications arise for believers in their daily Christian walk:

• Active Prayer Life: Believers should cultivate a robust prayer life, actively bringing their needs and the needs of others before God, as reflecting on this verse encourages a devoted prayerful spirit.
• Faith in God's Timing: Embracing the lesson of divine timing can transform one's understanding of waiting. Instead of viewing it as inactivity, waiting can be seen as a divine opportunity for growth and reliance on God.
• Intercession for Others: This verse also underlines the importance of intercession. Just as God's elect cry out for themselves, they are called to cry out for others, playing a role in the community of faith.

Theological Reflections

This verse provides profound reflections on essential theological concepts:

• The Doctrine of Election: It reaffirms the doctrine that God has a covenant relationship with His people—those He has chosen will receive His attention and justice.
• The Nature of God: Our understanding of God's character is reinforced. He is portrayed not as indifferent, but as loving and attentive, eager to respond to those who seek Him earnestly.
• Hope and Assurance: Ultimately, this verse is a declaration of hope. For the believer, the promise is clear: God will avenge and respond, thus cultivating an atmosphere of hope within the community of faith.

Conclusion

In summary, Luke 18:7 encourages believers in their assurance that their cries are not in vain. By affirming God's just nature and His attentiveness to the cries of His elect, we are called to a deeper reliance on prayer and a patient waiting upon the Lord. The reflections and applications derived from this verse challenge Christians to embody a steadfast trust in God’s character and timing.