Persistence Pays Off
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"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1).
I got my first job when I was 16 years old. I cut grass with a push mower around tombstones at Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey. Even though this job was not my "dream job" I was so excited to begin working and making money. I wanted to do a good job, but on my second day sparks went flying under my lawn mower. I accidentally hit a metal flower vase. Metal on metal. The lawnmower died. I had a sinking feeling - I am going to get fired. I did not know my boss. I did not know what kind of man he is. So - I decided not to tell him. I had to pull the "starter cord" about 25 times before I got the lawnmower running again, but once the engine started - I was "back in business" - until a few days later when my boss asked me why the blade under the lawnmower was bent.
I took a deep breath and confessed everything. He had one question - why didn't I tell him immediately what happened? I told him, "I didn't want to get fired." He laughed and said, "You won't get fired. We've all done stuff like this. I just need to know so I can fix it." After that experience I had a different relationship with my boss. I knew he was approachable. I knew he would understand if I made some honest mistakes. I knew he wanted me to succeed. I was no longer slow to talk to him and I no longer avoided him.
In The Parable of the Persistent Widow Jesus tells of a widow who is in need. Her need is much more serious than my fear of being fired on my second day of work. She has been taken advantage of and there is no one to advocate for her, so she advocates for herself. Unfortunately, she has to deal with a judge who neither fears God or cares about people, but she does not give up. She continues to ask and plead and call and beg. She knew this judge was not a good person, but she didn't give up and her persistence paid off. Her request was eventually granted.
Jesus then reminds us that our Judge is different than the unjust judge in this parable. Our Judge not only fears God, HE IS GOD. Our Judge not only cares about people, He sent His Son to save people. Our Judge is not only accessible, but He invites us to approach His Throne where we will receive mercy and find grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Our Judge is not only our Judge, but also our loving Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11).
Jesus ends this passage with a question that "hangs in the air." "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). We all know not all is right with the world in the here and now. There is injustice. It is often hard to reconcile how a Just God would allow so much injustice, but Jesus exhorts us to keep on praying and not lose heart. Help is on the way. He is on the way. Jesus intervenes and brings hope and strength and deliverance both in the "here and now" and perfectly in the "then and there."
May we be a people who know we have the perfectly Just Judge. May we be a people who trust His character and approach Him when we need help. May we not grow weary or lose heart. May we be those who when the Son of Man comes have faith in His faithfulness.
See you Sunday,
Steven