Also, the words in our prayer need to show forth that we feel unworthy to call upon such a great and powerful God. The publican could not even look up to heaven. It does not say whether he was on bended knee or not, but the posture of his heart was clearly thus. He could only smite upon his breast and say, "God be merciful to me a sinner." That is a prayer that will justify us. The spiritual application is that Christ (our great example) prayed without ceasing to the Father. How mind boggling it is that the only begotten of the Father who is one with the Father prayed to the Father! We are told that the Trinity of Persons is still One.  However, Christ many times prayed to His Father, and in the garden of Gethsemane it even says He literally bowed down to pray.  

If our Lord and Master could get down on His knees to pray, then we are truly without excuse to not be found praying as we ought. Christ has all power and authority. Yet, He still prayed.  He is one with the Father, yet He still prayed. I once heard a minister make this point about prayer, "Consider all the defense abilities of this country.  We have weapons, soldiers, ships, planes, etc. What sense would it make if attacked for the troops to go out and shoot bow and arrows at the enemy? Likewise, what sense does it make for children of God to say that there is no one to help? What sense does it make for one to say 'I wish' or 'If only’?” We have been given the ability to pray, so let us never be found negligent in that regard. I must confess that this morning I have not prayed nearly like I ought. 

Ephesians 6:18-19, "and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,"

This morning, this passage concludes the description of the armour for the Christian's walk here in this life. After the scoffer claims that there is no protection for the legs (which we addressed previously), he might now claim, "There is nothing to protect the soldier's back. The Lord left something out." However, this is another ill-devised notion. We are told that the Lord is our rereward. That means that our backside is completely sealed by Him. If we turn and run from the battle, then we are exposed.  But, as long as we are marching forward, He is there to cover us. No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62) Therefore, let us march ahead in this life.

The last thing mentioned is for the soldier is to watch. He is supposed to watch and pray (as the Lord told His disciples). One of the soldier's foremost responsibilities is to watch for the enemy to be ready and prepared for the battle. What good would it do the soldier to have all this armour, not watch for the enemy, and then get bushwhacked (to borrow an old Texas expression)? The answer is not much. This watching is done without ceasing (like prayer). The job is never over. We are told to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. Does anyone measure up to that? If not, then we still have work to do. That is the nature of perseverance.  

Perseverance means that one never quits and never gives up. The last thing a soldier is supposed to do is surrender. Surrendering leaves the kingdom in the hands of the enemy, and the soldier is supposed to die before being taken captive. Many of the dear saints of old laid down their lives for the cause of Christ, and they refused to bow the knee to the image of Baal. The spiritual application is that our Lord persevered for us. By His perseverance, we are preserved in Him. He never gave up, got discouraged, or wondered if the job would get done. 

He got it done, and He endured more than we can imagine for the joy that was set before Him. Someone asked me if we believed in perseverance.  I told them we most certainly do, but it must be qualified. Many times people say they do not believe in election or predestination at all. One must believe something about it if it is in the word of God. We also believe in belief, confession, etc.  However, we do not believe in those things as a means to eternal life. They are a means to proper discipleship in this world. The same is true for perseverance.  

Our Lord persevered perfectly in His work of redemption. We should strive to be perfect like Him, but none of us measure up. However, failing in one regard does not mean that we quit altogether.  Even the best generals in this world suffered defeats from time to time. But, the great ones were not measured by their defeats but their response to it.  It is said, "Success is not measured by how high you jump or how far you fly. It is measured by how well you bounce." We are going to fail; we are going to stumble. But, let that never keep us from trying. I know in my heart that I will make innumerable mistakes between now and the grave (if the Lord does not return first). However, knowing we will fail and giving up are not one in the same. Watch and pray with all supplication and perseverance. Our Lord paid it all for us; let us be as the woman who did what she could. (Mark 14:8)

In Hope,

Bro Philip