The Pharisees have asked Jesus a question, “When is the kingdom of God coming?” Jesus answers them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”
In other words, you are looking for something in the future that is here and now – present reality. And with these words, Jesus has set the stage for understanding the parable of the unjust judge and persistent widow. And a direct question from Jesus.
A judge who is afraid of no one, nothing and not even God. And a widow who would not take no for an answer.
Widows – in ancient times were vulnerable, regularly listed with the orphans and aliens who deserved special attention. Without a husband, widows were left to the care of the closest male relative and were seen as a liability.
In this remarkable scene, she is standing before the judge – and a system that would not have trifled with her. The best that she could expect was the shaft. The significant absence of makes it possible that the closest relative is not doing his job and that the problem is financially based.
But she keeps coming back. She will not be deterred. This woman is beginning to make him look bad. She is pestering him to the point that he fears personal injury if he doesn’t get her off his back. Contextual notes include “so that she may not finally come and slap me in the face” or literally in the Greek: “to strike under the eye.” – a black eye.
Jesus holds up the unjust judge as the antithesis of God – the complete opposite of God.
Bad judge; moved by neither mercy or justice, just fear. Representative of the powers and principalities that do not care and yet can be compelled to do what is right.
Good God: acts out of unqualified mercy and justice. Whose kingdom is filled with grace. Who will stop at nothing to save the ones he loves. Who never gives up in his relentless pursuit!
Are we giving up?
The call committee prepares to review its third slate of candidates. Just when we think we’ve found a candidate, the candidate slips right through our fingers. Stuck with an interim for God knows how long.
Are we in danger of losing our heart?
Was it difficult to fill out the pledge cards? Is it difficult to come to worship more often than not? Are we holding back? Are we scared?
Jesus tells us to pray always and not loose heart.
Right.
This is all well and good when things are going so well and good. But when things are falling apart? When I loose heart and can’t even pray? Then what?
Because that is the reality – I pray and sometimes God seems so far away and things are getting scary and I loose heart. All. The. Time.
Jesus says not to but I do. The silence frustrates me. And I long to hear something, anything. But there is only silence. Perhaps I am not alone in this particular longing.
In the face of all this, why shouldn’t we just throw in the towel and walk away? Because there is kingdom work to be done right here in Leesburg and God says we’re not finished yet.
Just keep praying…
Jesus asks us a direct question: when the son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?
YES! Just don’t give up…
Remember that faith is the opposite of fear. Jesus is wondering when he comes back will he find a world filled with fear. And let’s face it, this election has been filled with fear-mongering.
Because just like the persistent widow who keeps pestering the judge so too does the kingdom of God keep pestering us to what is right. Faith conquers fear every time.
Jesus said, the kingdom of God is here, it is now even though it is not yet.
And the kingdom of God is pestering us to do the right thing, to live out our baptismal covenant, to work for peace and justice in all the world.
We can’t give up because the kingdom of God won’t give up. We have no choice.
Justice for all is a sign of the in-breaking of the kingdom of God. And we are to be striving always, advocating on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves.
We are to take seriously the issues of discrimination and honestly ask ourselves where we have been guilty of contributing to the pain of others.
This is what we are called to faithfully do now, in the days leading up to November 8 and on November 9 and everyday afterward. No matter the outcome of this election. It’s time to give fear the black eye! Pray unceasingly. Worship weekly. Give generously.
Will Jesus find faith on earth? You better believe it!
As long as we together strive for justice, pray unceasingly and never stop, you better believe he’ll find faith on earth! And he’ll find it right here in Leesburg, VA!