“And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1
The parable that is mentioned here has to do with a judge that did not believe or fear God, nor did he care about the needs of men, nor their opinions. He must have been a man of stature to have such an attitude, and certainly wielded power and authority according to his own choice. He was also a man who did not want to be troubled by the needs of men, or women, but sought to hold himself aloof from their cry for help, even justice. In essence, he was not concerned about justice, but only about his well-being, and of not being troubled or wearied by even the lowliest, poorest, and most helpless in society. He seems to not have possessed the slightest empathy or concern for those who sought his help, in particular from a judicial standpoint.
The second person mentioned in this parable, or story, is a widow. In Biblical times the widow stood out as being one of the most helpless, and vulnerable persons in society, possessing no authority or power to defend herself, or to claim that which was rightfully hers. The judge was to be her only source for seeing justice in her behalf. In the story there was a controversary between the widow and one whom she deems as her adversary, one who unjustly opposes her. The fact that the widow seeks justice from this godless, unjust, and unmerciful judge, reveals that she does not have the resources to face her adversary, and see justice done on her behalf. Her only recourse is the judge. What is she going to do, but to appeal to the judge? And as to the determination of the woman, we see that the Lord speaks of a similar appeal to God of His children who “cry day and night unto Him. This widow, though helpless, was determined, to see justice. She resembled another helpless woman of faith who pushed her way through the crowd, determined to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment to be healed, and she was. Likewise, the widow would CERTAINLY receive “justice” from this wicked judge because she would not stop coming, or appealing to him.
The Lord’s use of this story is intended to illustrate the essence of true faith. The widow was certain to receive justice therefore she would not cease to come seeking. The Lord then applies this to “…His own elect,” those who truly belong to Him by faith. They too are faced with an adversary who is greater than they are, and they are without resources in and of themselves to face this foe, and overcome him. Certainly justice will not be done in their behalf unless the soverign, meriful God comes with a greater authority and power to overcome the enemy. Here is the difference in the parable between the widow and the elect. The widow believes in a principle, that if she perseveres long enough, she will have justice done in her behalf. The elect, who are facing a spiritual foe, have a greater assurance…even the promise of God. Jesus asked the question: “And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?” (Luuke 18:8) The believer appeals to the perfect and faithful Judge of all the earth, who never makes mistakes, but who will certainly hear and answer the cry of His children. Jesus confirms this by declaring: “I tell you that He (God) will avenge them speedily.” This is the promise to the believer…God will answer the one who has true faith, this revealed by it being persevering faith.
The Lord Jesus, in concluding His thoughts on this subject, nailed down the principle issue: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, will He find faith on the earth?” True faith is persevering faith, possessing with certainty God’s faithfulness to answer the prayer of faith. God will certainly avenge His own.
Dear Father, Give us grace to pesevere in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.