Finding Faith

Were you spared the rod as a child?  Or were you spoiled?

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 18:6-8

In today's lesson, Jesus shows concern for the faith of all the children of God, all who are spoiled by his love.

He gives us the example of an unjust judge who grants the wishes of those who complain, not out of love, or justice, but to silence the squeaky wheels.  And he tells us that even though this judge is unjust, he will grant justice for his own sake, but God, who is just and loving will do so much more for us.

But the question he raises is a good one?  Will this love and justice bring us to a greater faith?  Or will we be spoiled by it and continue to do as we wish without coming closer to God?

Perhaps there is something to be said for not getting our way, and maybe even for being punished when we are bad.  When things don't go the way we want, when justice is denied, we may reassess and rethink our situation, and in the process, reconcile our desires to our beliefs.

The woman who continued to fight for what she believed was justice eventually wore down the judge, but in the process, she affirmed her faith, because it didn't come easily.

So, in this parable, there are multiple messages of finding our faith, and yet the question remains.  In the end, will there be faith on earth when the Son of Man comes?

I think there will be.  I think we live in hope and as long as one of of holds onto that, we will be alright.

What do you think?

More to come...