Posted on April 16, 2025, 8:42 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
Jesus spoke a parable of the persistent widow which explains the fact that we ought to pray always and not to lose heart. It is a parable about a widow who never stopped to ask a judge to get justice for her from her opponent in a dispute. Following her persistent request, the judge could not hold the request any longer and says, “Yet because the widow troubles me, I will avenge her, least by her continual coming she weary me.” (Luke.18:5) Jesus laid emphasis on the conclusion of the judge and contrast it with the readiness of God to effect justice for His own people, not in the reluctance of the worldly judge who dispenses judgement out of frustration and annoyance of the widow’s persistence. Jesus made the point that our heavenly Father is willing and ready to set us right from wrong when we cry unto Him in prayer. Jesus says, “And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” (Luke.18:7) This brings to fur the point that God is ready to effect justice for His own elect but at the appropriate time. We should not forget that God’s timing is not the same with our own timing. The Scripture says, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter.3:8) Therefore, we should not be tired of waiting. Jesus however assured that God will avenge His people speedily. The Lord is not waiting for His followers to become a nuisance before He gives them justice, He is eager to give them justice. Jesus says, “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.18:8) The second part of Jesus speech is a question that is calling our attention to the need to persevere in faith and not to doubt Jesus coming to give His followers reward and give judgement to His enemies. “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” (Heb.10:36) We are being warned not to draw back in our faith in Jesus Christ. “Now the just shall leave by faith, but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb.10:38) We should continue to hold on to our faith in Christ until he comes back. So that when He comes back, He will not be disappointed but be happy to find faith on the earth and will be delighted to avenge us. We ought to always pray in an honest and sincere manner. We should avoid any display of religion that is done only for others to approve our prayer life. Like the parable of the persistent widow, we must practice patient, persistent, and persevering prayer. Prayer encourages steadfastness and helps not to lose heart during the delay of Christ’s return. The Scripture says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Col.4:2) May the good Lord grant us the grace to wait steadfastly for the Lord in Jesus Mighty name. Amen Evangelism Christ’s return is getting closer than we thought. Let us be hasty in winning souls for His kingdom. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
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