After encouraging the believers to wear the armor of God Ephesians concludes with the encouragement to pray in all occasions. We may have all the pieces of what we need to face the evils and temptations of the world, but if we do not maintain that relationship with God through prayer –a constant communication with the Almighty – we can remain ineffective. It is prayer that spurs our faith into powerful life.
Jesus taught about the importance of prayer and the importance of a correct attitude in prayer. Who are the characters in this parable? What did the widow want? What did the judge do? Why? What comparison is made in verses 6 and 7?
The parables Jesus used to teach are wonderfully simple in their story but incredibly deep in their meaning. The parable of the persistent widow is no exception.
A widow wants justice against an enemy and she enlists the influence and authority of a judge. The problem is that the judge has no faith, no belief in right and wrong, and so seems unmoved by the pleas of the widow.
Eventually the judge decides that he will be certain the widow will get the justice she seeks. His motivation is not the knowledge of what is right. Instead, he will act because he does not want to hear the widow beg him any more.
Naturally, the story has a deeper meaning that applies to faith. It is a story to encourage the believer to be persistent in prayer. We must pray on all occasions (Ephesians 6:18). But are we to pray to simply get our way, to tire God with our begging?
No. In verse 6 Jesus instructs us to listen to what the unjust judge says. His motivation was simply to have some peace and quiet.
Now Jesus follows up with verse 7 – “will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones?” The statement about God is in contrast to the judge. The judge acted with indifference and selfish motivation. God, on the other hand, will act out of mercy and love. He will eagerly hear our prayer and provide for us.
We may not feel adequate even when we put on the armor of God. Just because we have the equipment doesn’t mean we know how to use it. But if we remain in a right relation with God, if we pray to God in every occasion God will empower us to overcome the troubles and strife of the world. He will enable us to effectively use the armor of God.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Does your prayer life need to improve with frequency or sincerity?
