Pray. And don't give up on praying...

“Pray. And don’t give up on praying…”

 

It is unusual that such clear interpretive direction is provided. Usually, readers are left to figure it out for themselves – in fact, that seems to be part of the lesson to be learned. So, when Luke explicitly states the purpose of the first parable in chapter 18, it is worth noting. This, apparently, is not something we dare miss. It assumes even greater urgency when Jesus makes essentially the same point at the end of the story told.

 

The setting is all too familiar – a woman, essentially without power or position, is being taken advantage of in a commercial matter. Against all odds, she seeks protection under the law only to find that the one in a position to help her – and duty bound to do so – appears immune to her request for assistance. Perhaps it is the arrogance of his position, perhaps it is his hope to get a better offer from the opposition, perhaps it is simple disinterest – but he repeatedly denies her request. Given that he has the final say, it appears the matter is settled – with her opponent claiming the victory. But she is not willing to take no for an answer – nor is she willing to allow such a cavalier attitude towards justice to stand. So, having no other tools at her disposal, she keeps showing up with the same request. Wherever he goes, there she is. To the point that he begins to worry that, in her desperation, she might take further action which could well damage his reputation – maybe even give him a literal, as well as a figurative, black eye! Pure self-interest drives his granting of her request for justice.

 

In a manner typical of the rabbis of His day, Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater – if this unrighteous judge does what is right because of powerless persistence, how much more will God bring about justice for those who keep crying out to Him?

 

Jesus’ concern is not about the character of God. We can feel the weight on His heart when, in the next sentence, he asks plaintively, “But… when the Son of Man comes, will He find the faith on the earth?” In other words, will there be anyone left who still stands in the reality of Who He is – and, on the basis of that reality, is still interceding – crying out for mercy – for the earth?

 

It is a sobering question in our current moment. We find ourselves in all caps outrage for split-seconds of emotional explosion, only to speed off in another direction as some new shiny thing attracts our attention. Or, as is usually the case, get tired or bored. Persistence – a long obedience in the same direction – is not our strong suit – especially when it is persistence in prayer, the heavy lifting of the Kingdom. But in this moment, it our best hope for the troubles we are in and which appear looming on the horizon for anyone with an eye to see.

 

Jesus’ question remains unanswered. I want to be among those who respond in the affirmative.