"I believe... Do you?"
Luke 18:8 ESV
"I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Jesus is teaching about both justice and answered prayers by contrasting God's character with that of a corrupt judge.
Jesus ends this passage with a challenging rhetorical question: "However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?".
The question is begging to be answered though! The widow's relentless petitioning is the model for believers, because the parable teaches that persistent prayer is crucial to enduring without losing heart.
Will Jesus find an active and unwavering faith?
Or will He find rituals without actions?
Will He find an "all in!" complete devotion? Or find prayers being repeated over and over, driven by memory but not true faith?
When Jesus returns, the question won't be about the amount of faith we have but the quality of that faith.
Prayer...
Father, we're in a world filled with constant change and uncertainty. The news cycle is relentless, distractions ceaseless, and our hope can grow weary.
Strengthen our resolve, Lord, and anchor our faith in the truth of your eternal promises, not in the fleeting events of this world.
Amidst trials, injustice, and the world's chaos, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Give us the courage to live as children of the light, awake and sober in our spiritual lives, and prepared for your return.
Guard our hearts from the anxieties of this life and the temptation to grow numb to the needs of others. Turn our impatience into a persistence, then, not just tolerance but love for our neighbors. a heart for the oppressed, and an urgent desire for the lost to know you.
By the power of your Holy Spirit, build in us a spirit of endurance, not just to survive the times, but to thrive in them. May we be found wise and faithful servants when you return, having run the race with perseverance and our lamps burning brightly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Psalm 14:2
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God."
