The text today was the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). The story is not an easy one. One of the main things I took away from this morning was a big part of the call to live like Jesus lies in our persistence. The widow just wouldn’t give up until she got justice. Would that those at the margins of life could depend on us to be so tireless and determined.
The widow relentlessly pleaded;
To her justice the judge finally relented.
She finally got what she needed,
And I’m wondering who each represented.
Am I like judge, grown tired and cold,
numb to needs in Haiti and Darfur;
or could I be the widow who never gives up,
whose hope and persistence endure?
It’s not about tired, but tenacity:
at it’s heart, what the story is saying
is live with both hope and audacity —
practice love, practice peace, practice praying
I will live out more of what Jesus meant
When I persist beyond my discouragement
Peace,
Milton
I wonder why some are tempted to regard the unjust judge as God/Christ. Perhaps I have at one point in my life. I am aware that many believe the widow is Jesus, intervening on our behalf. While others – as you pose today – find themselves as the one pleading to intervene. I think the beauty of it is that it doesn’t matter. Regardless of circumstance, we are found, interacting with God in the midst of it – wondering day by day how to live out our divine call in and with the spirit of Christ. Thanks, Milton.