Jesus’ parables can really get us thinking and learning. Today, as we read this parable in Luke 18:1–8, Jesus teaches us a lesson through the example of a persistent widow.
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!'” And the LORD said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8 NIV
Like the widow in the parable, we need to be persistent in our prayer life. In fact, there are scriptures which tell us to pray continually. God will answer our prayers and He will bring justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night.
When you read the parables in the Bible, do you try to put yourself in the story to understand it better? Can you imagine yourself as the widow? Might you be the judge? Has someone come to you for help and you ignored their call? Do you care for people, really care for people? Not just in theory, but in practice. The judge sees this woman in need, suffering injustice yet, for a long time, he does nothing. He says nothing. It was not until he felt he could be attacked for his inaction that the judge did anything to provide justice to the widow.
Who could you be helping, serving and defending but you’re not? You may say, “Well, haven’t done anything bad.” Perhaps you did, perhaps you didn’t. But if you don’t do anything, that IS a bad thing. We can’t just have a mindset of compassion, empathy, love, mercy, respect, and generosity. We must have a lifestyle which demonstrates those values.
Are you the widow facing great adversity? She was a powerless and penniless woman facing a powerful and prosperous judge. She wanted justice and she continually pursued it What do you need to fight for? Don’t quit, give up or give in.
If we looked at your schedule, or your budget, does it reveal a heart for people, a fight for justice? Let us NOT be like the judge, but let us pray persistently for God to work through us to serve others.
