Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ “ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:1-8 (NRSVUE)
Thank you, but I don’t want to bother you. These are words that roll off our tongues way too frequently. My own mother, in her last years, only became a burden by repeating incessantly that she didn’t want to be a burden. Don’t get me wrong - she had a beautiful faith-filled heart, but I truly wanted to help her. Just like so many who lend a helping hand when others go through tough times. I’ve learned, when others ask to help me, to say, “Thank you - that would be wonderful!”
I’m loving this sermon series “Made” which is reminding us of all the different ways we were made (created by God) to respond to God’s will in our lives. It’s not about us. It’s about how God’s work is being carried out by us. This week, the theme is “Made to Bother.” And, believe me, I do enjoy bothering people when it’s something I feel will make the world a better place.
In this parable, the widow refuses to give up and just keeps on bothering the unjust judge until he caves to her persistent demands. But, Jesus invites us to see the contrast in how God’s justice and mercy is different.
For us today, this teaching is spot on. We pray to be drawn into the ongoing work of God’s justice, not to earn God’s favor. We must bother to ensure that God’s kingdom shows up here on earth in grace-filled ways, never oppressing groups of people. The next time we hesitate to take action because it might bother someone, may we think again and remember - we were made to bother.
Question for Reflection:
- Are you willing to bother someone to uphold God’s vision for this world?
Prayer:
Loving God, help me to stir up some “good trouble” by bothering the systemic injustices that exist in our world. Give me the courage to bother others in a way that reflects the love of Jesus. Amen
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