Luke 18:1-8
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Luke includes this parable right after Jesus’ warnings to his disciples about the temptations and dangers inherent in the time between his resurrection and ascension and the time when he will return to set all things right on the earth. Read the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 noting anything that stands out as you read.
This story of a widow seeking justice (vindication) is a metaphor for how we are to cling to God who is the only one who can restore true justice to the earth. The widow believes enough in her cause that she refuses to give up and continues to hold out hope that the unrighteous judge will grant her vindication. She pursues justice without ceasing.
Stop to consider how you are “waiting” for the day when Jesus will restore shalom to the earth. Do you long for that day? Are you praying for that day? Working toward that end? Do you even think about this? Share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Luke 18:1-8 again noticing the shift in focus from the widow to the judge.
Jesus says we are to learn a lesson from the unrighteous judge as well as from the persistent widow. In this story, the judge gives in and grants the widow justice, but only after her tireless persistence.
God is not like the unrighteous judge because God’s very nature is goodness and love. But we still have a part to play when it comes to seeking God’s justice.
Justice is a key aspect of shalom, and as followers of Jesus we are to be about the work of spreading shalom to the earth. But we can persist confidently as we work and pray for justice because we know that our prayers are in line with God’s desires. We persevere in faith knowing that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
Pause to let your thoughts settle. Just sit in the presence of Jesus for a moment and breathe in his goodness and love.
When you feel centered, consider how you are participating in the work of Jesus to bring shalom to the world around you. Talk to Jesus about this being sure to listen as much as you speak.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do today?
How will you respond?
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