The alarming rate at which Covid -19 spreads further confirms that the world is not just a global village but a global garden. Considering the ongoing pandemic, social, religious and economic uncertainty, call for a deep reflection under the ‘only tree’ in the garden. The world hurts, trust is becoming a thing of the past, and oneness and charity are becoming very scarce in the garden, hence, the need to reflect.
In view of the above, Jesus’ teaching on the ‘unjust Judge and the determined Widow’ (in Luke 18:1 – 8) comes to mind. The teaching explains the claims that Jesus never came with what is today considered as ‘a peaceful message’ or ‘it is well’ terminology from our pulpits. Jesus knew that his teachings would not be popular. Daily he warned his followers and listeners that joining him implied going on a rough trip, and possibly with few allies. No wonder he counseled that the way to LIFE is via the difficult and narrow way – Matthew 7: 13-14. (Matthew 10:34)
While we await the restoration of our eternal PEACE and JUSTICE, Jesus in the garden of the unjust Judge reminds us of:
The Unjust Judge – not as a replica of God (because God is good and just) but a replica of the current situation in the garden of life! The Judge could be policies, human efforts, decisions, general situations of life that ordinarily should bring succor, hope, justice, inner peace, oneness, progress but turns out to be cruel and demeaning.
The Widow – is every child, parent, person in the garden of life who struggles to survive, be happy, and bring about a meaning to his or her existence. The Widow is helpless in the face of the situations in the garden.
Standing for Christ
The concept of prayer in the passage – does not suggest ‘prayer’ as it relates to speech or fasting. Rather ‘that man ought to pray and not give up’ which implies: TOTAL AND COMPLETE ALLIANCE to God the creator through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thus, no matter the situation in the garden of life, Luke 18:1 implores us to have our FAITH fixed on God and not the judge/situation in the garden. It encourages us to remain resolute like the three Hebrews in the garden of Babylon of powerful Nebuchadnezzar II (Daniel chapter 3) who instead of becoming weary became strong in the furnace of blazing fire. These three were resolute, they dammed the judge/situation in the garden, they were convinced of the non-sentimental and non-situational God of the garden who was, is and forever shall live.
At this time in the garden of life women and men of faith are required. Those who are in need and want, bad or good health, Covid-19 or winter flu, homeless or in a mansion, in a job or on furlough, in war or relative peace – who would say ‘yes Lord we consistently stand for you.’
For meditation – Hebrews 11:13-16.
