Luke’s preface to Jesus’ parable in Luke 18 explains its purpose: “that men ought always to pray and not lose heart” (v. 1). The former is the prerequisite of the latter.
Without prayer, losing heart would happen quickly and last long. We inhabit a violence-laden world in which tyrants of different sorts oppress and murder the poor and the helpless. The political arena mirrors the cultural war in combative tones. Denominations corrupt the pure Gospel of salvation. Even congregations of the Lord’s church squabble over everything from the pettiness of finances to the weighty matters of doctrine. Discouragement at mankind’s lack of empowerment to solve these problems can be overwhelming to the contemplative.
Then, there is prayer. The earthly story Jesus chose to illustrate His heavenly meaning (Luke 18:2-8) was, as usual, one of simple import. As usual, it highlighted curious characters. A selfish, godless, judiciary appointee cared not for justice for a poor widow seeking mediation in regard to her oppressive adversary. He did not fear God. Therefore, as is often the case with the godless, he felt no need to give any regard to his fellow man, especially one as lowly in societal ranks as a widow without wealth (Luke 18:2, 4). The woman had no hope in the sight of her adversary or this useless go-between. Well did she fit the Preacher’s pitiful description: “Then I considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they have no comforter – On the side of their oppressors is power, But they have no comforter” (Ecclesiastes 4:1).
Her salvation, however, was in her persistence. With full-blown selfishness intact, the unjust judge relented, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Luke 18:4b-5). The Lord made more than adequate application: “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily” (7-8a).
The last line of the parable propels readers of all ages to application: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (8b). So, what about it? Will He?
A temptation technique the devil surely relishes is the tendency of right-minded people to be overwhelmed and discouraged by the presence of so much evil at so many levels in their surroundings. Will anything ever work out for right? Can there ever be any good that will triumph?
The Christian needs reminded of the reward of persistence. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). This is the command. The precious promise ensues: “[A]nd the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).
It is time for prayer. It is time to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
