October 20, Luke

LUKE 18:1-8

 Have you ever been out to eat at a restaurant with a friend who complains about everything?  Well, two friends, Jim and Allen, were out to lunch together one Saturday after playing a round of golf.  When the waiter brought the soup they had ordered, Jim tasted it and said, “Waiter, my soup is too cold!  The waiter quickly replied, “I am so sorry.”  When the rest of their lunch came, once again Jim called out to the waiter, “This food is terrible.  I’d like to talk to your manager!”  Again, the waiter replied quickly, “Right away, Sir.”  While they were waiting for the manger to come to their table, Allen asked Jim, “Why are you complaining so much?  To which Jim replied, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.  If I don’t complain, I will not get my meal for free!”

Of course, there are times when complains are warranted.  In today’s parable, Jesus tells us about a window who is seeking justice.  We are not told the details concerning how she has been wronged, only that she is seeking justice from an unjust judge.  Right away we can see that she is the squeaky wheel that is constantly disturbing the judge’s life on a regular basis.  We might rightly say that the widow has great perseverance, for despite her difficulties and failure she continues to ask for justice. Most likely, approaching this unscrupulous judge is was not an easy task for her, for we are told that he doesn’t care at all what God thinks nor does he care about what people think about him.  In short, he fears neither God or other people.  He is a pagan and most likely corrupt in much of what he does.  When we think of being corrupt today, a look at our own political situation shows that corruption includes such things as prejudice, fear, hatred and on and on, and it is not a pretty picture.

“Pray always and do not lose heart,” Jesus says in today’s Scripture, and we can see that the widow has faith that she will eventually be answered. Day after day she shows up. Day after day she speaks of the injustice done to her. Day after day she holds her pain before for all to see, the unjust judge, the community and world around her, and God.  Although in the society of the time and as a woman, the widow had no given power; yet, she persisted.  She despite all odds, refused to accept the unjust situation that had been thrust upon her.  Although she is unnamed in the Scripture, she should be considered one of the strong women role-models of the Bible.

Finally, just as the squeaky wheel usually gets the oil, the unjust judge cannot take it anymore, and makes sure that she gets the justice that she deserves.  Notice that even though the justice was a long time in coming, it did eventually come.  We may pray to God for justice and we too may wait a long time for the justice that God has promised His people to come, if we have faith, however, we know for certain it will eventually come.

Let’s listen again to Luke verses seven and eight.   ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you; he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”  Keep in mind that “quickly” is not our conception of time, but that of God’s.

In today’s world, God’s love and mercy is emphasized, and there is no dispute that it exists.  However, at times we unmindfully try to remake God into someone who conforms to our own wants and desire.  That is, we may use God to try and get what we need or want, like asking God to have Santa bring us a pony for Christmas.  We just don’t want to think of God as also passing judgment on how we live our lives, and we are judged not only on what we do in our lives, but also by what we do not do.  Do we walk away from unjust situations, not wanting to get involved, or do we stand up for what is just and right.  As a church, a community that lives from and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are called into the world together.  In fact, the Lutheran Church’s statement on social concerns reminds us that, “Faith is active in love, and love calls for justice in relationships and the structure of society.”  Therefore, we are all called to stand up for the injustice in the world around us.

One thing is for sure, the Bible is clear that we will all stand before God to be judged.  In Revelation 20, verses eleven through thirteen, the Apostle John talks about the great judgement.   “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened.  1 Peter 4:5 also tells us, “They will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

 As we leave here this morning, let us be mindful that Jesus is also making the point that we should not lose heart or faith while we are here waiting for His return.  The injustice in the world around us and suffering can weaken our spirit.  Let us resolve to stand up for justice for all, when and where we can.  As children of God and His disciples, let us pray daily and never forget what Christ did for each one of us on the cross.  For we serve a living God who has a living presence in our lives, and who will give us the strength and fortitude to survive any life crisis.

Let these words from one of my favorite hymns remain with you throughout the week.

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom. Power, and love

Our God is an awesome God

 Amen