Last week at connecT we looked at the parable of the 'widow and the judge'(Luke 18). At first glance it looks like God is a grumpy old man who won't give us what we want until we annoy hm enough. That is until Shelley - one of our worship leaders - reminded us that the judge is an example of what God is not like. Makes sense, especially in the light of the other parables in Luke, like the 'prodigal son'.
But I wonder how many of us have a grumpy God judge? Christianity has often used that image to compel people to do what it wants or to convert by fear. It doesn't seem to fit with Jesus as God's 'human face' and square with his ministry with the outcast, sinful and poor.
The parable of the 'widow and the judge' reminds us of persistence in prayer. Working at it helps us to grow closer to Jesus and perhaps, learn more from him and to be like him. Its been about 30 years since I became a Christian and I'm still learning and growing, and loving it!. I'd like to think that's persistence with a gracious God not a grumpy judge. Maybe, persistence in prayer softens the grumpy God judge that seems to live in so many of us; and sometimes even in me!
Chris
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2 comments:
Like your new blog Chris and have added it to my blog roll. And in regards to this post, Shelley's point is a good one, God isn't like the tardy judge. I'll remember this for a wermon in the coming liturgical year.
Perhaps I meant sermon!
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