“I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” – Luke 18:8
Jesus’ conclusion to the parable of the persistent widow may seem a bit cryptic. In truth, His question is quite straightforward. Having taught the importance of persistence in prayer for God’s will and justice to be done, day after day, week after week, year after year, Jesus asks whether any of His followers will really persevere? With our short attention spans and hearts that are easily distracted and deceived, will there be any true, patient, prayerful, Christ-like followers of Jesus when He returns?
Jesus promised He would bring His perfect justice in His perfect timing when He returns in power and glory. That should be enough for us. The Bible is emphatic about this. Nonetheless, will followers of Jesus hold firmly to faithful prayer in the face of prolonged injustice and persecution. Will we live, love, and pray in the way of Jesus until that glorious day when He returns?
This isn’t an abstract question! In our own culture, we see many claiming to be Christians, yet arguing that the teachings of Jesus aren’t adequate. They claim that Christians need to be forceful and violent. They reject ideas like turning the other cheek, praying for enemies, and loving them as foolish, antiquated, or “woke”. Some loud voices in modern American Christianity actively advocate for anti-Christian ideas, including an impatience with prayer for God’s justice to be done and an urgency to deliver human justice now by force.
When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith in earth? Real faith like He taught rather than human faith dressed up with the name of Jesus? It’s a critical question for these perilous times! #FollowJesus