Thursday's Thought for Sunday's Service

“Jesus was telling them a parable about their need to pray continuously and not to be discouraged. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him, asking, ‘Give me justice in this case against my adversary.’ For a while he refused but finally said to himself, I don’t fear God or respect people, but I will give this widow justice because she keeps bothering me. Otherwise, there will be no end to her coming here and embarrassing me.” The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them? I tell you, he will give them justice quickly. But when the Human One comes, will he find faithfulness on earth?”” (Luke 18:1–8, CEB)

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Overcoming inertia, the widow simply persisted, advocating her case before the unrighteous judge, not letting the chance for justice slip away.

She likely:

• boldly approached her situation with courage and willpower;
• repeatedly outlined her need for adjudication.

Although the judge initially ignored her pleas, he eventually acted fairly.

A similar strategy might be listed using lyrical language.

• Decidedly displaying determination, even to a degree of diligent distraction;
• belaboring, bending, breaking bonds of bias through begging, bothersome ways,

… one can stand for justice and make a difference.

Jesus teaches, typifies that grappling with a generous God gains good ground, finds firm footing, revitalizes rapid response with redemptive remedy.

Pastor Rich Wagner

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Sunday, October 20, 2019          Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Epistle:  2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Gospel Reading:  Luke 18:1-8

Sermon Title: “The Weariless Widow”