AUGUST 3^rd

THE PERSISTENT WIDOW AND THE UNJUST JUDGE (Continued)

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?

     Back to the widow in this setting. She brought the unjust judge to a point of weakness by repeating the grace of her words, Avenge me of mine adversary. He ignored her for a season but came to a point where had to remind himself that he did not fear God nor regarded man. Because she came continually, it troubled him and, he had to avenge her.

Think about it. Such a hard line at first, but grace coupled with resilient faith chiseled him down to humility. This widow took what speaks to an institution down with faith alone. Her words found place in the heavenly Truth of a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world where her adversary had already been avenged in spirit. The Spirit gives life and causes the law of sin and death to fully submit to it.

Continued