A Higher Court

Jesus shared a parable with his disciples regarding a persistent widow. This widow had been treated unfairly by someone. She persistently went to the Judge and insisted that he give her justice against her enemy. The Judge initially refuses to listen to the woman and admitted that he did not fear God or man. “yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming” (Luke 18:5).

Jesus drew a parallel to what the unjust judge said and to our father who is the Righteous Judge. In essence, if even an unjust judge would heed an old woman’s persistence, and give her justice from her enemies, how much more will our own father who is the righteous judge give us justice? “I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth” (Luke 18:8)?

Jesus shared this story to assure us that God is not slow to answer when we pray. Although the answers to our prayers may at times seem delayed, God will answer. This is why God tells us to not avenge ourselves, but to leave vengeance to him. “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Our justice systems are at times corrupt and in many organisations, systems that are set up to ensure that people are treated fairly, don’t always work. Let us take our complaint to a higher court of heaven and watch God vindicate. God’s words will not return to him void and he will do what he has promised. “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬).

A.P.-Y.