Learn a Lesson

Text: Luke 18:1-8

It's not often that the gospel writers are so direct about the lessons Jesus intended to teach with his parables and sayings; in fact, there are times we are told that the point was deliberately vague. But there is a point to be made on a critical topic here. So he tells us flat out that this story of an unrighteous judge was told to illustrate the need to pray without giving up. Does that sound like a lesson any of us need to hear--again?

The point is simple enough. In his story, Jesus contrasts an uncaring, unsympathetic, self-absorbed judge with the good Father in heaven. In spite of his contemptible character, the judge knew the right thing to do. But he actually did the right thing only after untiring badgering from the woman in pursuit of the justice only he could grant. How unlike God this man is. God delights in doing the right thing, and we can count on Him to do so. We don't need to keep on going to with a mind set on wearing down His resistance. We don't even need to worry about whether we're praying for the right outcome of a situation, because He will give justice to His children; not what we think we need, but justice.

But Jesus doesn't leave the matter at this point. He continues by turning the question around. God can be trusted to provide justice; He is faithful to His word. But can we be trusted to be faithful to Him? What he says is that the question is not so much about God's faithfulness as it is about ours. He will give justice; the Son of Man will return. And when he does, will he find faithful people?

I believe the faithfulness he will be looking for, and seeks even now from those who are His, is the same character as the Father when it comes to providing justice for those to whom it is due from us. Will we withhold justice, refrain from doing the right thing until we are backed into a corner or other equally uncomfortable position, where the only way out is to do what should have been done initially? Or will we delight in giving to each his or her rightful claim on our time, our friendship, our resources? Today, who is seeking justice from me, from you? Will I graciously extend it, or will I imitate the one who fears not God or man?