October 17, 2004

Luke 18:1-8

[1] Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. [2] He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. [3] A widow in that city kept after him: "My rights are being violated. Protect me!'

[4] "He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, "I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. [5] But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice--otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black and blue by her pounding.'"

[6] Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? [7] So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? [8] I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?"

[The Message]

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1. In today's world we can hear the widowed environmental groups constantly bringing a cry of violation to the public and the courts. For any religious leaders, you might want to go to Declaration of Interdependence to raise your voice by signing on to a petition.

2. In today's world we can hear the widowed peace groups constantly bringing a cry of violation to the public and the courts. You might want to go to School of America's Watch and raise your voice by joining them November 19-21, 2004.

3. There are many other widowed places to go (try Interfaith Voices for Peace and Justice for a list of some of those widow voices). In each you are encouraged to continue crying out for help. May you take that persistence with you into your daily spiritual disciplines as well as your prophetic encounters.