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Luke 18:1-8
The parable of the widow and the judge is one of my favorite Bible stories.
Many years ago when I first studied it, I was intrigued by the two pictures of
power and by Jesus’ admonition "to pray always and not to lose
heart."
This story is set in a society that did not grant women rights. We are told
that the judge did not fear God and had no respect for any one, which meant
that he had even less respect for women. Still, the widow was bold to think
that he would listen and grant her justice. She didn’t lose heart or
complain; she persisted until the judge, concerned that the widow would wear
him out by continually coming back, finally granted her petition. Jesus tells
his followers to listen to what the unjust judge said and then goes on to say
that God will listen day and night and not delay in granting justice to his
chosen ones.
Jesus’ description of God made me aware that I could be bold in talking
anything over with God. Jesus said God would listen to his chosen. And I knew
that in my baptism, I was his own. From that time forward I have had
conversation with the Lord concerning whatever is before me.
As one works through challenges and problems in life, a lot of persistence
is required. I find myself having conversations with God in a variety of
places. My favorite places are at the sink while I’m doing the dishes, in the
shower, or outside during a walk. I work hard at being persistent, and I find
it easy to forget to be quiet and listen for God’s voice. However, God has
always answered, usually when I least expected it, often inserting his side of
the conversation when I am in one of my favorite places.
Prayer
Lord God, we come boldly before you with our petitions, knowing that you listen
day and night and will not delay in granting justice. Amen
Author Nancy Hoffman, of Lancaster, Ohio, is a former member of the Women of the
ELCA executive board.
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible,
copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2002 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. All rights reserved.
May be reproduced for use in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America provided the copyright information above appears on every copy
with these words: Used with permission.
For all other purposes
contact Women of the ELCA.
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