Passage of the Day:
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” – Luke 18:1-8
Reflection:
According to C.S. Lewis, the final two Cardinal Virtues mentioned in Mere Christianity are justice and fortitude. While the majority of September will be devoted to fortitude, sometimes a pursuit for justice conceives a spirit of fortitude. The book definition of fortitude is demonstrating courage in adversity or pain. However, Lewis points out that fortitude is essentially having guts, with a will to press on regardless of what you may encounter. On my way back from Lynchburg, Virginia after spending two days at the Disc Golf World Championship, I was involved in a hit and run. Traveling south on Interstate 77 toward Columbia, South Carolina, I was side swiped by a white commercial dodge van. Reacting quickly, I immediately turned into the grass, left of the shoulder, regaining control several hundred feet later. As I was about to stop, this Dodge Van that cut me off and ran me off the road fled the scene. I tried to catch up so Leanne could take a picture of this vehicle’s license plate, but the tag was temporary and as this van exceeded over 100 miles an hour, she couldn’t get a clear image with the paper license plate flapping in the wind. Despite calling the police and notifying the local officials of this white Dodge van, justice was not obtained.
Prayerful Action:
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.[a] Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow, Isaiah 1:17.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
The woman in the Parable of the Persistent Widow epitomizes fortitude. Based upon Luke’s introduction, this is like an episode from People’s Court. However, this woman was so consumed with persistence that she refused to settle for anything less than a conviction. Filled with a will to receive justice, Jesus’ details a woman who simply wore out the judge. When Christians adopt a similar passion for prayer, fortitude will be conceived. As prayers are combined with a will to press on despite your current circumstances, the Holy Spirit will provide the spiritual guts that you’ll need to thrive.
Song of the Day:
While I’m still pretty shook up about being in a hit and run, the persistent widow provides a blueprint for seeking justice. When you find yourself in a similar situation, ask God to fill you with the desire to pray and the will to not give up. As this is imparted, let justice reign.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 