Christians should focus on Lord’s return

In Luke 18 is a very familiar parable told by Jesus. Jesus told a simple story with a very profound spiritual message. In Luke 18:1-8 this very profound spiritual message unfolded in four points.

First, it begins with the Lord’s illustration. Jesus said, “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Avenge me of my adversary’” (verses 2-3). This judge was shameless. He had no spark of honor. He was the worst possible human being. He was in a position of authority. He had no sense of character. He could not be appealed to for God’s sake or for man’s sake.

The woman was a widow. Someone had defrauded her. She was destitute. In those days women did not go to court. The courts in the first century belonged to men. She was utterly alone. She had no man in her life — no husband, no brother, no brother-in-law, no son, not even a cousin. She was alone and completely destitute. She represents the destitute, the helpless, the powerless, the lowly, the unknown and the deprived.

In verse 3 she kept coming. She was relentless. Every day she came and said, “Give me legal protection. Give me what is mine. Vindicate me.” Eventually this wicked judge, even though he did not fear God nor regard man, relented. This shameless judge cared for one person — himself. He said, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (verses 4-5).

Second, the Lord’s illustration is followed by the Lord’s intention. The context is clearly the Second Coming of Jesus. Verse 1 reads, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” The word “them” refers back to the previous chapter. In Luke 17:22 Jesus was speaking to the disciples. Beginning in chapter 17, verse 22 for 15 verses Jesus spoke about the Second Coming.

Can we be certain this is a Second Coming passage? Of course! The key is the final verse in the parable. Jesus said, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

The intention of Jesus is for you and me to focus upon His return. You cannot even begin to have a proper world view until you understand how it all ends. The return of Jesus has great implications for our lives. It impacts everything we own and everything we possess. It changes what we do with our time and how we invest our lives. How we live our lives should all be powerfully influenced by a strong and persistent prayer that Jesus come.

Third, the Lord’s illustration is followed by His intention that leads to His interpretation. Jesus said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily” (verses 6-8).

The righteous are represented by the widow. However, the judge is not like God. God always does what is right. God is always compassionate and merciful. You cannot live the Christian life properly without focusing upon the Second Coming of Jesus. The return of Jesus provides comfort and purity and stability to our lives. It provides zeal in evangelism. You must live in light of the Second Coming of Jesus.

Finally, the parable ends with the Lord’s inquisition. Jesus closed the parable by asking a question. “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (verse 8). When Jesus does return, will He find people praying for His return? True Christianity never loses its grip on God. Genuine Christians never lose their hope. Do you love His appearing? The Apostle Paul prayed, “O Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). The Apostle John prayed, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Do you understand that the focal point of history is the return of Jesus?

We pray persistently calling on Jesus to come and vindicate Himself. To punish sinners and dethrone Satan. To establish His righteous kingdom and peace on the earth. To reign as King of kings and Lord of lords and eventually create a new heavens and a new earth. We say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Live in anticipation of the return of Jesus and watch how it will change your life!

Ethan Hansen (ethanchansen-@gci.net) is pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.