Perseverance

Perseverance

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who was a godless man with great contempt for everyone. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, appealing for justice against someone who had harmed her. The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she wore him out. ‘I fear neither God nor man,’ he said to himself, ‘but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’ ”

Luke 18:1-5

Although the judge in this parable had no interest in the widow’s situation, the widow kept coming to the courtroom of the judge. She was not asking for punishment or revenge on her adversary—she was looking for justice. If it hadn’t been for the woman’s persistence, the judge might not have been persuaded to do anything. But because her visits were tiresome and annoying, the judge decided to deal with the matter. Moms understand these kinds of requests.

We are meant to see a huge contrast between the unjust judge in this parable and our just and merciful God. If out of the purely selfish motive of being rid of an annoying woman an ungodly judge would grant a defenseless woman her request, how much more will a God who is full of truth and grace hear and answer the prayers of his children, whom he loves?

The emphasis in this parable is not intended to encourage us to weary God with our requests (we can’t), but rather to assure us that he is very willing to take care of his children. Someone has said, “The purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth.” It is good for us to be persistent, as long as we want God’s will and aren’t selfishly demanding our own agenda.

God,

Thank you for parables in the New Testament that help us to understand how much you love us. Because we know you do, may we come to you often with our needs and requests, persevering in faith and prayer. Amen.