Luke 18

Luke actually tells us the point of this next parable. Pray and don't lose heart when it does not come to pass right away. Evidently, God does not have the same "microwave" expectations that we have about how fast things happen. Even if we do not see the big picture that God sees, he will not let an injustice go forever. It is hard to remember that when we are in a time of trial. Sometimes we lose hope that God cares. Trust sometimes comes in believing what we cannot see and cannot prove. But as the next parable points out, trusting in ourselves will only lead to a dead end.  Our trust needs to be like that of a child. Children trust in ways we can learn from.

The rich ruler asks the right question but is too caught up in rule-keeping rather than letting God have his heart. Jesus stretches the ruler to give up what he really depends on – his wealth – to save him.  What would you not give up?  Jesus reminds us that God ultimately is the one who not only gives us the command but also the power to trust Him and thrive. Jesus finishes with reminding his friends that he, too, will suffer and dies for what is right: trusting God in all this to resurrect the situation as well as Jesus. Still, his friends are not ready to hear this and remain dense. What are you ready to hear?