Prayer – O Jesus, let me cry out to you day and night.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus with his disciples.)
Context:
The real focus in this parable is the unjust judge. Although he is a complete opposite of God, he still grants the widow’s request. In the middle of trials, the destitute must believe that God hears their prayers and will intervene for their deliverance. The final sentence about “finding faith on the earth” is very important. In trials, will we persevere in trusting God?
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity of praying always and not losing heart.
A judge in a certain city did not fear God or man. A widow in that city begged him “Give me a just decision against my adversary.” For a long time, he would not do so. However, he eventually thought, “I do not fear God or man. However, this widow bothers me. I will give her a just decision lest she wear me out.”
Jesus said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God vindicate his elect who cry out to him day and night, even if he seems slow to answer them” I say that he will avenge them unexpectedly. But, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The dishonest judge has every bad quality. He has no fear of God, no fear of man and is totally corrupt.
- He is the total opposite of the compassionate Jesus who wept over human suffering. Yet, he grants the request.
- This parable describes the loving God who brings about a surprising reversal.
- The suffering and the persecuted must do one thing. They must “cry out to God day and night.”
- Their deliverance is assured. Justice will come quite unexpectedly.
- The question is, “Does the person persevere in trusting God even when the trial continues?”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, to whom else shall I go?
- Jesus, teach me to pray without ceasing. Let me lift my heart to you “day and night.”
- You will come. You will not delay. You will give me “unexpected justice.”
- Let me gather with others. We will “cry out” together.
- O Jesus, even if you delay, I will persevere in faith.
- You will find me watching.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own)
- Trials will not discourage me. They will cause me to cry out “day and night.”
- In faith, I will await God’s “surprising answer.”
Thought for the Day. (To recall your meditation)
Will God be slow to answer those who call out to him day and night?