UpperLoft Meditation – 6/9

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  …However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” – Luke 18:1-8

The parable that Jesus tells is one of a widow who comes daily to the judge pleading for justice.

The widow can be characterized as one who is extremely vulnerable, she has no husband to protect her or to provide for her; she is alone; and society is not her friend.  In the parable she is a victim crying out for justice.

The judge is no lover of God or the opinions of others.  Justice is defined by the judge for his own economic benefit.

The judge grants relief to the widow because of her persistence.  She keeps coming after him.  [Literally: "She is going to punch me out!"]

This is a parable of comparison and contrast.  We are very much like the widow.  We are greatly in need of God’s redemption.  There is no one else who can provide our salvation.

But the judge, by contrast, is the opposite of our heavenly Father.  He delights to hear our prayers and respond in ways that demonstrate His love and mercy.  In this way the glory of God is made known for all to see.

But the bottom line question is this.  Do we pray to a self-indulgent judge who is moved only by our perseverance, or do we pray to God who abounds in love for “His chosen ones?”  Will your prayers based on faith fill your days until He comes?

Comments