A parable about needing to pray always and trusting in God.
Persistent prayer and actively relying on God.
This parable is almost like an ancient political cartoon. It sets things topsy-turvy and makes the judge – a person of power, privilege, and leadership – seem both completely off-base and a fool. He refuses to provide justice for this widow, one of the most vulnerable among society. And of course, we all have ringing in our ears the constant call of God throughout all of scripture to care for the orphan, the widow, and the resident alien. And then, the only reason this corrupt judge relents and offers justice is so she won’t “wear him out,” but the Greek translation is actually one that compares this widow to a strong boxer and the judge is worried she will give him a black eye.
So what does this have to say for us today?
First, it tells us some about who God is. That opposed to this reluctant judge, God hears, willingly helps, and has a strong commitment to justice.
Second, I think it can speak to us about the struggle of a life of faith in a broken world that yearns for the shalom, the wholeness of God.
Third, it leaves us with a question about whether or not we have faith – is our trust centered in God?
First, it tells us some about who God is. That opposed to this reluctant judge, God hears, willingly helps, and has a strong commitment to justice.
In Jesus’ commentary on the parable, he compares this judge with God. But it is a comparison of contrast. While the judge does not want to hear or act justly, God is quick to hear and acts for justice for those who cry out, especially those on the margins – widows, orphans, resident aliens. God is not one who reluctantly relents to those calling for justice, but one who, like the widow in the parable, is persistent and unrelenting in the pursuit of justice.
Second, I think it can speak to us about the struggle of a life of faith in a broken world that yearns for the shalom, the wholeness of God.
Prayer and struggle and the pursuit of God and God’s will. Prayer is not a passive activity but the active pursuit of God and the will of God. Prayer takes persistence because as we work to follow God’s call and live in the kingdom of God, we will face opposition. Have you ever felt like those set as leaders just wouldn’t listen? Do you feel like the people in power have turned a blind eye to God’s call for justice and to the suffering of the people they have been charged to care for? Does it seem that perfectly reasonable calls for justice are ignored, or even punished?
Like the widow in the parable we do not lose heart. We hold on to hope that God is not like these reluctant and corrupt leaders. We pray and struggle with persistence.
Derek, this is the life of faith you are born into. A deep relationship with God that can be like a physical struggle at times – Jacob. A life of persistent prayer. Living among God’s faithful people, hearing the word of God proclaimed and sharing int he Lord’s Supper, proclaiming the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serving all people following the example of Jesus, and striving for justice and peace in all the earth.
Not an easy task, one in which we must place our trust and hope in God and give thanks for those who have been called to this same life and work.
Third, it leaves us with a question about whether or not we have faith – is our trust centered in God?
When we lift our eyes up for help, do we wonder where it’s coming from? Or do we know to look for God, to trust in GOd’s promise to hear and response?
God, who hears and responds and relentlessly pursues justice is with us today in water, word, bread and wine, in the presence of one another. God who has begun the good work of faith and has raised Christ to new life raises us to new life again and again and sets us back on the path in pursuit of God and God’s will. God has planted within us the gift of faith. Our community of faith helps us nurture that gift. You are beloved. Go and share that good news.
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