“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 fear God or care what people think,  yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”  And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”  Luke 18:1-8

This parable is usually called the Story of the Persistent Widow.  Persistence ~ A very difficult thing to maintain when odds are against you, when weariness sets in, when you see no progress to encourage you, and when you begin to doubt that there will ever be a reward for digging in your heels. 

This is one of my favorite parables.  It’s about a woman with no power, no husband to speak for her, and someone with no social standing.  She was absolutely alone in a world where justice was elusive for one who was so vulnerable.  But ~ she showed up every single day to plead with a judge who had no fear of God and little regard for people.  He seemed so cold and detached, the way Jesus described him. 

I wonder if this woman decided she would just not be ignored.  She just kept on asking.  She was not shy to keep the story of her pain at the forefront.  And finally, the judge gave in.  He relented.  It was not out of compassion that he relented.  She wore him down!  Her consistent pleading pierced his indifference. 

Jesus compared God, His perfect, compassionate Father, to the corrupt judge.  He encouraged His audience by reminding them that if someone unjust will give in to persistence, how much more will a God who loves with everything He has.  He gave everything in the gift of His Son to prove it. 

This parable honors quiet resilience.  Someone unseen by the world persevered in a form of worship – a holy defiance against the despair of giving up. She did not ask in faith, for the one with the power was not like God.  But we can ask in faith, knowing that the One with all power is for us, not against us.

Oh Father, You long for me to trust Your love, Your character, even when circumstances tell me I should give up.  I will not let go of You.  Amen