1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The writer of this part of scripture prefaces the parable of the unjust judge, in the opening verse, to this end that “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” And in this parable, Jesus compares an unruly/unjust just judge to the self righteous God almighty.

The judge himself admits that he fears not God, nor regard any man, to emphasize on how corrupt and/or demonic his judgments are, without any remorse. Yet, if this self-centered, power driven judge could avenge the widow, how much more will the All loving God avenge His children (Romans 12:19)

There are three key words to take note in the opening verse: Men, Ought, and Always – to pray. Every ‘Man’ is bound by this law regardless who you are. Provided you are man, you are not exempted from this spiritual truth. ‘Ought’ further further emphasize how important prayer is to man. It is a must. ‘Always’ – at all times, and not sometimes. Prayer essentially must be a lifestyle dedicated absolutely to God, and not based on our needs and wants.

In the parable, we see the widow coming to the judge with her case again and again, to the point that the persistence of her coming seem to weary the judge. But we must be careful not to interpret this parable as, God will not answer our prayers promptly unless we bother Him time without number, like the widow did to the judge. Jesus is rather saying God is the exact opposite. The unjust, unruly, self centered, arrogant judge, who does not regard any man, at last avenged the widow to avoid her persistence from wearing him, how much more God, who is Ever loving that he gave is only begotten son for us, will he not give ear to our prayers.

Cheer up brethren, the word works… and so does prayer.

Enos Afriyie