“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.” (Luke 18:1-3 KJV).
With these passages, the Lord Jesus is giving the opening lines of a parable specifically to teach that people "ought to pray always and not lose heart" - to "not faint" and to "not go weary". Our Lord gives the two key roles in the story. This describes a judge who "neither have fear of God nor respect of people," emphasizing that he is completely corrupt and uncaring. The widow, who represents those who are vulnerable, powerless and people dependent on those who have authority over them, comes to ask the judge for justice against her adversaries. And, we note that this judge is pagan, doesn't care and has no regard for anyone’s welfare.
This sets a challenging scenario for this widow who is in desperate need for help. During biblical times, widows are culturally protected and given special attention for care. But in this instance, there is indication she’s been neglected and taken advantage by her adversaries. Hence, in the context of the law and religious practices, she is forced by circumstance to go by the book according to the system of the world. She sought this worldly judge’s help. That’s the world’s resource for justice, and the widow is the story’s specimen to plea for help.
As we look through these passages and the rest of the parable, we must keep rooted of being children of God by grace in Christ Jesus. This is not a call to depend in the world’s system of laws nor religions. This parable is our call to persistently pray always to our true God in Christ Jesus. We pray always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14). That is with the knowledge that our help comes from heaven not from the world. Scriptures remind, as the Psalmist testifies: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:2 NIV). Hence, we ought to pray always, as it is written: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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