And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
LUKE 18:3
This verse taken from the parable of the persistent widow contrasts the character and actions of the unjust judge and the faithful widow. The judge is a corrupt and selfish person who does not care about God or people. He only grants justice to the widow because he is annoyed by her constant appeals and afraid that she might harm him. The widow, on the other hand, is a poor and powerless person who has no one to defend her rights. She is persistent and courageous in seeking justice from the judge, even though he ignores her at first. She does not give up or lose hope, but keeps asking for what is right. (Microsoft Bing)
Jesus told His disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)
Jesus uses this example to show the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God. He told this story to encourage His followers to pray always and not lose heart, even when they face difficulties and delays. He wanted them to trust that God is a good and just Father who hears their cries and will answer them in His perfect timing and way. (Microsoft Bing)
Sing to Him, sing His praise, and proclaim all His wondrous deeds. Glory in His holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (Psalm 105:2-3)
When peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful word from heaven’s royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land, bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree. And as he alighted, he filled every place with death; he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth. (Wisdom 18:14-16)
Creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew, serving its natural laws, that Your children might be preserved unharmed. The cloud overshadowed their camp; and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging: out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road, and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood. Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by Your hand, after they beheld stupendous wonders. For they ranged about like horses, and bounded about like lambs, praising You, O Lord, their deliverer! (Wisdom 19:6-9)
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW
Luke 18:1-8
GOD'S FIDELITY TO THE PROMISE
Fourth Book : Psalms 90-106
Psalm 105:1-43
III: Special Providence of God during Exodus
DEATH OF THE EGYPTIAN FIRST-BORN; THE ISRAELITES ARE SPARED
Wisdom 18:1-25; 19:6-9
