TUESDAY, 3.28.23: Trust God for the Future – Luke 17:20-18:8
When Pharisees asked a speculative question about when (in the future) God’s Kingdom would come, Jesus instead spoke of the need to trust God now to be ready for any trial that might come. Then he told a parable that contrasted God with an unjust human judge. The issue, he said, was not if we can trust God, but whether God can trust us (18:8).
Reflection
• In 17:21, Luke used the Greek words entōs humōn, which could mean either that God’s kingdom is “among you” or “within you” (or, perhaps, both). What different significance do you find in the two possible meanings? To what extent does each of them ring true to your experience of living in the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached?
• In 18:1-8 Jesus used a “how much more” question, as rabbis often did. In effect he asked, “If even an unjust judge will do justice if pressed, how much more can we trust God to do justice?” But, he asked, will I find faithfulness on earth? Can you keep faithfully trusting God to do justice even when there seem to be letdowns or delays? How do you answer Jesus’ question about faith?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have questions about the future in your kingdom. Help me focus on your presence right now among us, and within me, and trust you to take care of the future. Amen.