Study Journal Check-In #5

Have you used your scripture journal with each bloc of reading in Luke 12-19:27?

Yes

What are two additional resources that have enhanced your study?

I've used the New Testament Student Manual and Bible Gateway.

Share one insight that you have gained from your scripture study and/or from the additional resource.

One insight that I learned from my scripture study was what we can learn from the parable of the persistent widow. In Bible Gateway, it discusses how we can all learn from this that we need to be persistent in our pleading to God. We can't simply ask once and hope it works out. We need to seek out the Lord diligently with our needs.

However, what I really liked from this source was a second perspective that it applied to this parable. In comparing an imperfect, apathetic judge to a perfect, loving God, we can learn more about the justice of God. Even as we live in an imperfect world with imperfect systems, we can know that God's will will be done because those that govern us, though imperfect, are governed and given power by one who is greater: God. God will make sure that everything happens the way it is supposed to happen. Thus, even if we feel like we are suffering injustice at the hands of others, as the widow was, we can know that God hears our pleas and will take care of us. He will ensure that justice is served.

How has this insight blessed your life or how have you applied what you learned?

This has given me comfort. In these times, there is a lot of polarization happening, politically, socially, and spiritually. Many are doing things that are immoral and unjust. We see it on the news every day. This worries me sometimes. I imagine how it will affect me, my future family, and others. It often feels like there isn't much hope. However, knowing that God is in control brings a lot of comfort. It's nice knowing that, even though Satan is invading our every-day lives, God won't ever let him have so much power as to take away the justice and mercy of God. It makes the future look that much brighter.