Luke 18:1-8
The Persistent Widow
TEXT:
Luke 18:1-8
(The Message)
1-3 Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’
4-5 “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”
6-8 Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”
REFLECTIONS:
This text is about prayer, and cultivating a life that is in constant conversation with God.
It is also about action, because prayer and action need each other. Prayer without action is ineffectual sentimentality. Action without prayer is abrasive and undiscerning.
This text is also about a God who is more than an ambivilant judge, and is instead a good God who wants to provide for our desires. What might our humanity look like if we were willing to tell God over and over exactly what we want?
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application Think of somebody you have been in the box toward. Do one thing each day this week that is helpful to that person.
Pathways Toward Centeredness Naturalism (loving the world outdoors): Go for a walk this week. On your walk, look out for the smallest creatures you can see. Imagine the world from their perspective.
Questions for Reflection Who is someone in your life who you wish to support and for who you are seeking justice?