SHALL NOT GOD AVENGE HIS OWN ELECT WHICH CRY DAY AND NIGHT UNTO HIM

Perseverance is the word - keeping at it. This was the stamp of the widow in the Saviour’s parable; she persevered. Even the unprincipled judge describes it as ‘her continual coming’. Let this be a feature of our exercise at the throne of God. May we be continually coming with the assurance that He will never weary but will respond to our persistence.

Her adversary was unjust and cruel; the judge was unscrupulous and unsympathetic; the widow’s own position in ancient society, without the voice of her husband, was defenceless and vulnerable. These barriers were real, yet she overcame them all.

Importunity is a word often employed to describe her actions. An answer was important for this widow, and so despite repeated rebuffs she relentlessly pursued her goal. We are usually importunate about what is important to us. It is unlikely that we will keep praying about things unless we are convinced they really matter. It was more than personal vindication being sought. The widow was on the side of principle. Let us also pray for principles in a twisted world of injustice. Our faith may be tested by waiting, but the cause of righteousness will be vindicated in the end.

The parable presents a contrast. If a widow, by her persistence, was able to extract a positive response from a judge who was uncaring, how much more will God who knows and cares lend a ready ear to the constant cries of His own people.

This parable is an illustration for all times but especially for end times. The Saviour has in the previous verses been speaking of His second coming. That glorious event of deliverance will be preceded by dreadful days of tribulation and injustice. The faith of God’s elect will be tried to the uttermost. Like the helpless widow a weak and persecuted remnant will cry to God. Their faith will be rewarded by the returning Christ, and their perseverance will be ultimately triumphant. Do we display the same patience and perseverance in this generation? It is not a question of whether God answer, but whether we keep praying with faith and patience in stead of fainting, though He long delay His response.