What does Luke 18:8 teach us about God's justice and timing? Setting the Scene “I tell you, He will bring about justice for them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) Jesus has just told the story of a widow who keeps pleading with an unjust judge. Her persistence pays off; the judge rules in her favor. Jesus then contrasts that reluctant judge with our righteous Father, promising that God will answer His elect “quickly,” even if it seems delayed from our vantage point. God’s Justice: Certain and Swift • God’s character guarantees justice. • Deuteronomy 32:4—“The Rock, perfect is His work, for all His ways are justice.” • Psalm 9:7-10—He “judges the world with justice.” • “Speedily” affirms God’s promptness. • Though we may wait, His timetable is perfect (Habakkuk 2:3). • When the moment arrives, His action is decisive (Revelation 18:8). • Justice is not merely eventual; it is personal. • Luke 18:7 speaks of “His elect who cry out to Him day and night.” • He hears every cry and will vindicate each believer (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Why It Sometimes Feels Slow • God’s patience serves salvation. • 2 Peter 3:9—“The Lord is not slow...but is patient with you.” • Isaiah 30:18—“The LORD longs to be gracious to you.” • Earthly time differs from divine time. • 2 Peter 3:8—“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years.” • Hence “speedily” speaks to certainty rather than our stopwatch. Faith: The Key Response • Persistent prayer is expected (Luke 18:1). • Faith endures apparent delay (Hebrews 10:37-38). • Jesus asks, “Will He find faith?”—not to express doubt in His return, but to challenge us to keep trusting while we wait. Living in the Tension of Now and Not-Yet 1. Keep praying. Heaven’s courtroom is open 24/7. 2. Rest in God’s character. His justice is never late, never partial. 3. Stay alert for Christ’s return. Our readiness honors His timing. 4. Encourage one another. Shared faith helps us persevere (Hebrews 10:24-25). Takeaway Luke 18:8 reassures us that God’s justice will come—and when it does, it comes “speedily.” Our role is to persist in faith-filled prayer, trusting that the Judge of all the earth will set everything right at exactly the right moment. |
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