16 November 2013 - just, a little longer

16 November 2013 - just, a little longer

Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
We have to pray and not lose heart.  We have to pray always.  It doesn't usually make sense to us, though.  We aren't dealing with a "dishonest judge".  We are dealing with the one who is perfectly just.  And if this is the case, shouldn't we only have to ask him for what we need once?  Or perhaps not at all?  He knows what we want and what we need.  Surely he can grant it to us before we even ask.

But the widow is purified in her intention by her constancy.  Her words to the judge are, "Render a just decision for me against my adversary."  She longs for justice.  But the intention is made real and perfect in her heart only as she insists on it in the face of time and disappointment.  God is drawing out from her a greater and greater commitment to the justice which she wants.  She isn't powerful.  She can't cause this justice to be done on her own.  But she can more and more fully desire to see it done.  She does not become weary with requests.  Even though she doesn't experience the fruits of the "just decision" for a long time she doesn't become weary.  Her desire is purified of self-seeking and focused more perfectly on justice itself.  And ultimately this desire for justice is vindicated. 

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.

Ultimately his word will come to rescue his people.  It may seem to us that he is slow to answer.  But the deliverance he brings us perfect.  The night may be "half spent" but when he comes the enemy is vanquished.

Your all-powerful word, from heaven’s royal throne
bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree.

Let us rejoice.  It may seem delayed but the timing of his deliverance transforms his people.  They know a joy that they otherwise never would.

For they ranged about like horses,
and bounded about like lambs,
praising you, O Lord! their deliverer.

Let us "[r]emember the marvels the Lord has done!"  He "led forth his people with joy; with shouts of joy, his chosen ones"  The deliverance he brings more than makes up for the apparent delay.  Ultimately, the "Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness" (cf. 2 Pet. 3:9).  He is not an unjust judge.  He is our deliverer.  Let us sing his praise!

Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!