AUGUST 1^st

THE PERSISTENT WIDOW AND THE UNJUST JUDGE

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-9

1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2　Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3　And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4　And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5　Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6　And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7　And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8　I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

     This parable is unique in that it solves the mystery at the beginning. Emphatically, men ought always to pray, and not to faint. This seems easy enough to understand for even the new convert; however, there are yet some life-sustaining truths to be unveiled with the guidance of the Spirit of Truth the casual reader may overlook. Surely, a believer will be in a poor state indeed if in life he becomes utterly spiritless, wearied out, and too exhausted to petition our loving Father. This parable contains an arsenal other spiritual ammunition to encourage all.

     The first character is an unjust judge. He is a type of the Law, and the Law was given for the simple reason so that man would know what sin is (Romans 7:7). The judge in this parable is one who should be fully capable of and eager to exact justice, but he does not fear or reverence God. He is invested with authority to hear and determine causes between parties yet he regards not man. Without reverence for God, it would be impossible for him to discern truth and propriety execute his decision in a just or righteous manner. He occupies a powerful position and as seen in the above Scripture he acts when he wants to instead of in the best interest of the people. It is of this understanding that the Apostle Paul wrote, "The letter killeth but the spirit giveth life (2 Corinthians 3:6)." Paul went on to remind us that we are able ministers of the new testament not of the letter!

Continued