Our Scripture meditation is based on Luke 18:1-8, next week’s Gospel reading.
[1] And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. [3] And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ [4] For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, [5] yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” [6] And the Lord said, “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? [8] I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
This parable of Jesus strikes a chord that transcends time and location. I think this parable was just as striking when Jesus first uttered the words as it is today.
The chord is whether God will fulfill his promises to us. If the unjust judge would finally cave to the widow’s relentlessly seeking judgement, then how much can we trust God to ultimately answer our tearful petitions for justice?
After decisively making his point about God’s faithfulness, Jesus offers this haunting statement: Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
This refers to Jesus’ second coming. The fact Christians potentially can lose their faith by denying Christ is sobering. It can even be frightening. Yet even in this statement Jesus gives us hope. As Jesus promised, He will return. We are blessed to know in baptism we received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works to keep us in the faith, trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. God also works through His Word and Sacraments to strengthen our faith.
As such, we do not live in fear as we await Jesus’ return. Instead, we wait in excited anticipation.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 