Luke 18:1-8
1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged,
2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect any person.
3 Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’
4 For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect any person,
5 yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ”
6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge *said;
7 now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them?
8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The Parable of Unrighteous Judge
Even the unrighteous judge
This parable does not teach that God is like an unjust judge. Rather, Jesus taught the importance of persistent prayer. At that time, the rabbis taught that one should limit prayers to three times a day so as not to weary God. Jesus’ teaching stands in stark contrast to that. Now, regarding this unjust judge, he was the type of person who trusted in nothing but his own judgment. In contrast, the widow was a symbol of poverty and powerlessness. Yet she came to the unrighteous judge, pleading with him to give her justice in court. She had no money, status, power, or connections, nothing. But she did have (1) the conviction that she stood on the side of justice, and (2) persistence. She used the weapons she had, and persistently pleaded with the judge. As a result, the judge was moved. He did not act out of a desire to do what was right, but because he feared he would be worn out if things continued as they were. The widow’s persistence moved the unjust judge.
More so with God
There are countless elements that can cause us to lose heart. Jesus asked, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (v 8). When we look at the condition of people today, it can sometimes feel as though prayer changes nothing. When prayers that have been offered earnestly over time seem to go unanswered, people can be overcome with deep discouragement. Yet if even an unrighteous judge can be moved, how much more will our God hear and respond to our prayers. Let us be encouraged now by the words of Jesus. (1) We have a Heavenly Father who hears our prayers. (2) We have righteousness that comes through the cross of Jesus Christ. (3) God will bring about justice swiftly. “Swiftly” does not mean according to our own timetable, but rather, according to the swiftness of God’s perfect timing. If we return to these three simple truths, perhaps we can once again walk in a life of persistent prayer. As I write this message now, I sense that God is speaking to some brothers and sisters, saying, “I know your tears and your prayers. Do not lose heart. Keep praying.” Can you hear His voice speaking to you?
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, I thank You for restoring the power of prayer in me through today’s devotion. Please guide me so that I may continue to pray without losing heart. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.