Today’s scripture: Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
This parable prompts us to think about some age-old unanswered questions. Why do people suffer injustice? Why do some people suffer more than others? Why do some good, vulnerable people (like the widow) suffer, while other bad people live charmed lives? Why do some prayers to end injustice apparently go unheeded, while others are answered? The questions are complex because the answers are so elusive.
On one hand, we have Jesus saying in this parable that God will quickly grant justice to those who are oppressed, as long as they persist in prayer (v. 8a). And we see Jesus healing people instantaneously in the Gospels; a touching example being the man who was sick for 38 years, healed at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5).
Yet, we also have examples from real life, as well as from the Bible, when this doesn’t happen. For example, Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Paul asked God three times for the thorn to be removed, but God did not remove it, telling Paul that his grace was sufficient.
On one hand, going through suffering makes us stronger and helps us to grow spiritually. However, on the other hand, some people seem to suffer too much, way beyond what could teach them a lesson, make them wiser, or deepen their souls.
Yet, even with these unanswered questions, I believe there is joyful, life-affirming hope, beyond what we could ever imagine! In this case, Jesus doesn’t want us to lose heart, because one thing is certain: God is NOT like the unrighteous judge. God is love, beyond our wildest dreams! I believe God hears every prayer of the oppressed with a heart full of compassion and often quickly delivers us from suffering, as Jesus says here. However, sometimes it’s like the man at the Pool of Bethesda, or like Paul’s thorn in the flesh.
Romans 12:12 exhorts us to rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and to persevere in prayer. We have joy that even if we have to wait for the reality to come to pass in heaven, God will give us health, peace, and happiness. The parable implies that when Jesus comes, he will search for those who have faith on earth (v. 8b). How inspiring to realize that when we have faith, God is truly love. Then we can be patient in suffering. And, with this conviction, we can joyfully persevere in prayer.
Thought for the day: We can always be encouraged and never lose heart, because even if we have unanswered questions, we still know that God is truly love. God is truly just. God truly cares!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.