April 11, 2021 · Luke 18:1–8

Bug the Judge

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't…

“We have the Holy Spirit of God that lives within us. The widow came to a court of law. We're coming to the throne of grace. We're coming to a place where we're before a gracious God. The widow pleaded her poverty. She had nothing. She's like, "Please, give me justice." We plead from a perspective of God's plenty. This is all coming from F. B. Meyer, an excellent contrast that he's giving. The judge was unrighteous, but God — he is goodness itself. If we think about the judge, who could be bribed in those times: God can't be bribed or argued with. You can't force him into this. This isn't about being forced. The judge answered for fear of her just wearing him down. God answers for his own glory and his own good. This is the comparing contrast between God and the judge, and us and the widow. This is the reality that God is calling us to: not to be discouraged. Every time you think he's not listening, he is. You have a God who loves you. He is not an unjust judge. You've got to come in humility, like the taxman — "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner" — but recognize how much more will God do good than this judge, who's just going to, like, yeah, do it because there's persistence. This is the reality. Just keep going. God is a do-gooder. He is good in himself. Ask him to do good. "God, do good." And I've got to point out: pray in line with justice. This woman is praying in line with justice. This isn't a get-whatever-you-want-out-of-God type situation. This is about someone seeking justice and crying out to God. We know what God wants, and we know what God hates. He wants life. He hates disease. He wants you to have joy. He hates discord. Approach God with a humble expectation. This is the way we should be praying, the attitude. God actually wants to hear your thoughts and prayers.”