Luke 18. 09.18.25
SCRIPTURE: Luke 18:8b
“However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus told his disciples a parable about praying. The parable tells the story about a poor widow who “persisted” in seeking justice from a local Judge who “neither feared God nor cared about people”. Without anything to lose, the widow makes herself an irritant to the Judge, coming to him repeatedly with her ardent and persistent request. The correct translation here is that the widow is giving the Judge a psychological ‘black eye’. Although the Judge has no concern for her welfare—to get rid of her—he gives her the justice she is seeking.
When Jesus finishes the parable—he poses the question—
“When the Son of Man Comes—Will HE Find Faith on the earth?”
APPLICATION:
What will you be doing upon Jesus Return
Jesus begins the parable on Prayer as a continuation to the discussion on “The Coming of The Kingdom of God” (Luke 17:22-37). Jesus explains that The end times will not be times of great faith. Eight people were saved in Noah’s day, and only four out of Sodom--and one of them-(Lot’s wife) perished on the way.
Over two thousand years ago Jesus suffered on the cross—demonstrating that HE conquered death and sin through His resurrection--to bring about eternal life for all who would receive Him as their Lord and Savior. AND—HE is coming Back.
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end-- shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then --the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9-14)
As I look around and turn on the news or social media-- I am saddened to hear others rejoicing at the cold and calculated murders of someone simply because they disagreed with their politics. When you stop and think about it—really? How did we get here? As believers we KNOW our war is NOT against flesh and blood—but against the authorities and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Truthfully, we have been in the end times ever since Jesus death and resurrection. As a believer I pray that Christ’s Love will abound in me—that His light will shine brightly by His Grace—and and I pray that JOY (which is a fruit of the Spirit) will overflow in me.
“Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16 ESV)
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 ESV)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
YOU gave us signs so we would be aware. YOU told us to endure. More than that—YOU called us to BE Your LIGHT. No one knows the day or hour. When YOU do come—may I be found to be one who has great faith. May I be found praying for those who are lost and hurting and in desperate need of YOU. May I be Doing what YOU have called us to do. Loving YOU as YOU Fill us daily—and Loving others—as Your Holy Spirit supplies us. Help me to not have anything left unfinished—search my heart before YOU. One day every single deed, word, and thought will be laid bear before YOU. Help me to be living in the fullness of Your Joy and the Truth of Your word. YOU –ARE—the delight of my heart.
In Jesus Name amen
Tina L Kudleka