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What does a story about a widow and a judge from 2000 years ago have to do with us? Let’s take a look at it.

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: ‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, “Get justice for me from my adversary.” And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, “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.”’

Then the Lord said, ‘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. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-4, Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved)

In Luke 17, Jesus was asked when the kingdom would come. He explained that it was a spiritual kingdom, He would have to suffer first, and that it would have similarities with other times of judgment when God delivered His people. Looking at other accounts about the same subject we find that in the lifetime of those who heard Jesus the kingdom would arrive amidst terrible tribulation (Matt 24; Mark 9:1). While there are applications from this that can be made until the end of the world, it is the time of trials until the coming of the kingdom that is under consideration here.

In the parable, the widow represents the seemingly helpless disciples enduring persecution and praying to God.

The adversary is like the devil and all who would place themselves in opposition to God’s people and plan.

The unjust judge is both a comparison and contrast with God. He was the one who had the power to deliver and bring justice. The characteristics he has that are opposite of God are designed to emphasize the Lord’s compassion and righteousness by how different they are.

Even though she had no earthly power and the judge was not compassionate or just, he acted on the widow’s behalf because of her “continual coming.” Consider the vast difference between the unjust judge hearing someone he did not care for and our righteous God hearing the ones He has chosen to call His own. How much more do you think God hears us? There is a similar comparison and contrast regarding persistence and God’s desire for us to come to Him in prayer in Luke 11:5-13.

It is more than persistence under consideration here. The petitioner was not merely asking for something repeatedly; she was facing mistreatment and she did not give up her case. She showed endurance through trial. As the first Christians were being mistreated for doing what was right – following the Son of God – they were called to continue to call upon the Father in prayer, even if it seemed like He did not hear them. In reality, God would be practicing patience, along with them, until just the right time to bring justice upon those who made themselves enemies of His kingdom. (Romans 8:24-39 ties many of these points together. What are some similar topics you can identify?)

Never stop asking God about anything worth asking. Never stop hoping. Never lose faith that God will come through.

That is how you don’t lose heart.

Van Sprague is an evangelist at the Church of Christ at Houston Park. He has a wife and three children. You would be a welcome guest at any of their services. Sunday morning Bible class is at 9, with worship after, at 10. Worship on Sunday evening is at 5, and Wednesday night Bible class is at 6.