Pray and Don't Despair

   

  

Once upon a time (Luke 18:1-8), there was a big city judge who didn't care what anyone thought. A lot of people say it – this many lived it. He didn't fear God or man. By and by, there was a widow who came to the judge and wanted him to help her with her problem, she needed justice. But she was a poor and powerless widow. She didn't have any political pull or financial influence. In other words, this judge had no reason to pay any attention to her, so he didn't. But, she didn't stop asking. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He said, "I don't regard the opinion of God or man. I do what I please. But this woman is going to wear me out. I'll answer her request just so she'll stop asking. 

Matthew Henry said this parable has the "key hanging at the door," so we don't have to wonder what's inside or crack the code to make our way in. Sometimes parables are difficult to understand. Sometimes they are easy to understand and difficult to apply. The Lord provides the meaning and the application at the beginning so we know what it's about before we get started. Spoilers ahead. Now that we know what it's about, we proceed following the rules to parables. Not every little detail in the parable has to have meaning. Sometimes a city is just a city. Keep your imagination in check. Parables usually have one main point so stick to it and you won't go wrong. Here, it's pretty straight forward – you should always pray and not despair. Two points, we ought to always pray (Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). And when we pray, don't  be spiritless and give up in hopelessness.

In verse 7, Jesus says to listen to the unjust judge. This man didn't care for truth or righteousness. He didn't care for the widow, but still, he answered the request. But God is a good judge, a righteous and a holy king. If an unjust judge hears and answers, how much more shall a loving God? God hears the prayers of His elect in Christ and answers according to His good will.  Jesus said the Father will avenge His people, or vindicate and to show justice, though he bear long with them. God hears, though he might not answer the way we want. Or God might not answer in the timing we want. Sometimes God says no, but sometimes God says no before he says yes. Christian, pray and don't give up, don't despair. Pray, and don't lose heart. Have you trusted in Christ? Then have confidence, because God is good. Have confidence, because the Father sent His only begotten into the world to save sinners. Have confidence because God has chosen you unto salvation, and unto glory, and He who did that great work of Grace, will not leave the lesser things in this life undone.