Reflecting on Luke 18:1-8“I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.” (Luke 18:8)
Jesus is contrasting God to an ungodly, uncaring judge.
The widow keeps pressing for justice because he is her only hope.
This judge is the only one that can help her, or she is done.
This parable relies on the fact that God is not uncaring, ungodly.
The very definition of the God of Israel is love (Exodus 34:6-7).
Yet when Jesus says we will get justice “quickly”, I am not sure.
How many people have suffered injustice their whole lifetime?
As I read this, Jesus says “quickly” to stress certainty.
God doesn’t step in right away, but God will, and when He does, you will see it!
Jesus is urging people not to give up, even when all hell breaks loose.
Justice and goodness will overcome, somehow, some way, some day.
‘And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us.
We will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us!’
Do I believe in the certainty of rightness and goodness winning?
Do I cling to God and Jesus as my only hope, even when it seems hopeless?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I do not read this section as an assurance that prayer works, or that You will give me everything I ask. I read this as Your assurance that somehow, some way, some day, rightness and goodness will win. You are our only hope!