A Modern Day Parable

I've had this particular parable on my mind lately...I won't go into details as to why this story has struck my fancy, but all I can say is it has been a lesson faith, trust, and justice prevailing.  Here is the parable:

Luke 18:1-8

"Then He (Jesus) 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?"

Recently I had a very similar experience as this widow in the story above. It did not involve a judge, but a person in authority. I won't go into any details except to say that this person soon became exasperated with my continual remonstrance, (protest, complaint, reproof), and literally said that I was making him weary. 

Even though I felt rather stunned by that remark, and even a bit hurt, I knew that God was at work in the midst of the "battle".  As soon as I heard that word spoken, I was reminded of this parable...and became encouraged in my faith that my petitions would soon be granted.  

Now, I was not asking for vengeance on an adversary, but rather for favor for one who was being slighted and taken advantage of. It was a risky move on my part as it could have backfired and placed me in jeopardy. But nonetheless I was willing to take that risk...and it finally paid off. My request reached the halls of heaven, and God dispatched His ambassadors to respond favorably on behalf of the one who was not even aware of the danger lurking ahead.

I do not tell you this story to pat myself on the back or to elicit any praise for myself. I share this today because I want you to know that God is still on the Throne of Justice...and He does hear our petitions on behalf of His children..."the very elect who cry out day and night to Him..."  Yes, "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily."  Do I need to say, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"  I sincerely hope so. May we never forget how much the Lord has already done for us...and that He has not changed.

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire,

and fulfill all your purpose.

We will rejoice in your salvation,

and in the name of our God

we will set up our banners!

May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;

He will answer him from His holy heaven

with the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots,

and some in horses;

But we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 20:4-7