Persistance
that Afflicts
by Cathy Vinson |
|
Listening
to what is said by this judge will teach us something Jesus wants us to learn. We see this
judge in a state of chilling barrenness, "fearing neither God nor man" (vs 2).
He neither trembles at God nor has compassion for the plight of his fellow man. Though he
is void of affection, he can become irritated. He is feeling the strain upon himself of
the persistent, persevering widow who continually calls on him to grant her justice.
"because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she
won't eventually wear me out with her coming" (vs 5). He doesn't want to be affected
by anyone, including her. Because he IS being affected, he will move. He will grant her
justice. Not out of love will he move, but in that she is becoming an affliction.
God is Judge; "God is love." When the true Judge is put into this same position,
we begin to understand why Jesus told us to listen. We realize even more about our
Heavenly Father's affliction towards persistent prayers. "Will not God bring justice
for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night?" (vs 7) If the unjust judge was
bothered, the Judge over all is afflicted. If the earthly judge was wearied, our Judge is
sorely moved to compassion.
Why this story? So "they (His beloved) should always pray and not give up" (vs
1). Does He move slowly as we preceive? "Will He keep putting them off? I tell you,
He will see that they get justice, and quickly" (vss 7-8). It seems He
"cannot" put us off (see Rom 8:32).
If we remember the words of the unjust judge, we will realize that persistence is one of
the endearing traits His child can employ to get the loving attention of a most gracious
Father. |
