The scenario presented the power of the most vulnerable in Jewish society prevailing over a tilted legal system. Widows indeed were vulnerable, and usually deferred to male relatives to defend them from trouble and represent them at law and in business. But the woman of our story had no advocate. She was left alone to fend for herself.
She was appearing before a “judge who did not fear God nor regard man.” This heartless man was not moved by the “shame/pride” culture of the Middle East. Responsibility to God had no influence over him. Neither did public opinion, which usually held people accountable. He simply did not care. With the label “unjust judge” it is safe to assume he was not above taking bribes, which may explain why he did not move on her petition.
Since appeals to responsibility to God or the good opinion of the town would not work, the widow had to rely on another strategy. She would be persistent in appealing to the judge for relief from her adversary. In other words, she would drive him nuts with persistent nagging.
And she did. Continually. At first the judge paid her no mind, regarding her as a silly woman with not much to say. But the woman’s persistent appeals eventually paid off.
“I don’t give a hoot about God or care one bit what people think of me,” he said. “But I’m going to have to do something about this woman. If I don’t give her what she wants she will wear me out!”
Jesus then told us how to apply the story. “Listen to what the unjust judge said,” he advised. “I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me.” Then Jesus applied the conventional “how much more?” interpretation often used by the rabbis: “Won’t God avenge his own who cry out day and night to him, though he delays? I tell you, he will avenge them quickly.”
Jesus had been asked about the coming of the kingdom. He described days of great stress and uncertainty which we now know are related to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. The way through it, he said, would be through persistent prayer. Pray always, and don’t lose heart.
In our uncertain times we face stress and perplexity. Plans are delayed, dreams are destroyed, and efforts are defeated. We are tempted to give up. It is in times like these that we must remember to always pray, and not lose heart. We must remain persistent in our prayers, knowing that God is at work and that the kingdom comes in unobserved ways.
The widow was the most vulnerable and powerless of Jesus’ time. She was no match to a powerful judge influenced by bribes. She could not appeal to motives of responsibility to God or public opinion. So she relied on persistent appeals and didn’t let up. And her persistent efforts over time paid off. She obtained justice through a ruling in her favor.
Jesus ended the story with an interesting comment. “When the Son of Man comes, will he really find faith on the earth?” What does faith have to do with persistent prayer? Everything. Faith is looking into the unseen and working to bring that into present reality. Persistent prayer helps us to remain focused, to not lose heart, to keep working toward that day when delays are over and dreams become reality.
Be persistent. Pray, as Paul said, without ceasing.
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP)Luke 18:1-8 (Proper 24 C)
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