Scripture Scribbles: October 16, 2022

the Gospel

Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable

about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.

He said, "There was a judge in a certain town

who neither feared God nor respected any human being.

And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,

'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,

'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,

because this widow keeps bothering me

I shall deliver a just decision for her

lest she finally come and strike me.'"

The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones

who call out to him day and night?

Will he be slow to answer them?

I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.

But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

the devotion

Why does this widow continue to make this request of the dishonest judge? The judge is known to not respect God or any human being. He is known by those in the town to be dishonest, yet the widow continuously asks him for a just decision. Why is this so? We may not know the cause of this woman’s persistence, but let us look to her example of perseverance.

What keeps me from consistent prayer and communication with God? Why do I find myself resistant to speak with Jesus about the deepest desires I have? Do I have hesitation to pray about the deepest wounds, pains, or fears that I am holding onto?

Unlike the dishonest judge, our Lord is known to be just, honest, merciful, all-powerful, and all-loving. We can be certain that He hears us and listens with the deepest love and understanding. I am reminded here of the scripture that passage in which Jesus says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).

The next time I find myself reluctant to pray and ask God the Father for help, insight, comfort, love, etc., let me be reminded of the parable of this bold and courageous widow. Let me remember that I am speaking to a God who cares, who understands, who desires my good even more than I do. Let me remember that I speak to Love.

Today’s devotion was written by Kaitlin Gilday