AUGUST 5th
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?
"…the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. Jesus wanted all to be aware of what the unjust judge said so that he could be contrasted to God our Father. He draws this contrast with a question, "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?" God’s own elect is His Church. Second John Chapter one addresses this Elect Lady and her children. They are distinguished as the product of a work in righteousness and know the truth. They are a spritiual people who are led by the Spirit of God and not the letter of the Law.
The unjust judge delayed because he had no regard for the widow or fear of God. God is just though he bear long. Even when one believes He is not answering fast enough, He is just or righteous still. Jesus said, He will avenge them speedily. Delay with God is not as one would think necessarily. God always has a Divine purpose and moment so that the Blessing is enforced with maximum effect benefitting the kingdom at large. Notice "Blessing" is capitalized because Christ is the true Answer to all need. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and like this widow, our strength is made perfect in weakness.
Continued