Bible Reading Blog
“Will He Find Faith?”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Luke 18-19
It is hard to take the Bible seriously if you ignore its discussion about the end, since a significant portion of the Bible touches on eschatological themes and the promises of God. The only way for us to make sense of life today is to appreciate where the future is going. The return of Jesus is serious business, a time when God will be engaged in definitive judgment.
“But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me” (Luke 19.27)
Jesus talks about the end in grim terms and gruesome detail to make it clear how serious an issue judgment is for God (see also Luke 17.37). Judgment means accountability. In a society that tends to view adults as accountable only to their own consciences, it is a critical reminder that God does hold us responsible for our actions. That is why Jesus, in Luke 18.8, asks if he will find faith on the earth when he returns. Those who recognize their accountability to God will go through life with discretion and foresight.
We know the gospel is a call to faithfulness; but consider the measure of faithfulness set forth in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18.1-8). Her faithfulness is marked by persistent prayer and patience. It is expressed as a hope of vindication as she bothers the judge and trusts that justice will be given to her.
The challenge in Luke 18.8 cannot be deflected from our personal reflection. Jesus is not speaking to the collective... he is looking at you! As people of God we must be marked by our constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5.17) and actions of faith (James 2), but not simply for our personal gain. Just as with the widow, we must be intent on God’s presence to be manifested in our vindication. In other words, if our intentions are self-serving, we are missing the point!
The world is headed towards an end when many will simply engage in life without concern for God. It will be like the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17.28-32). This should not surprise us (2 Timothy 3.1-7), but it also should not lead us to apathy. The longer time goes on until the Lord’s return, the more relevant Jesus’ parable becomes.
Jesus’ admonition is that we pray always and do not lose heart (Luke 18.1). The judgment of God will come and those opposed to him will be destroyed. The question is, when he returns, will he find us faithful?
“…what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God… according to his promise we are waiting for a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot of blemish, and at peace” (2 Peter 3.12-14, paraphrased)
