We read in the opening passage of Luke chapter 18 about a judge, an inflexible, self-styled principled man. He executes his judicial office without favour to man or regard for God. The Lord uses him to illustrate how we are to always pray and not faint.
To faint means to give up. Many give up trying or trusting that God has their matter covered when they do not see the desired outcome on time. They either start looking elsewhere for help or succumb to depression, wearing a general negative outlook. Even the stern, self-possessed magistrate will budge when pressured through perseverance, we are assured. Which means, by staying put, we will receive what we asked for.
God’s reason for delaying to answer when we petition is often based on the fact that we are frequently inconstant. Sometimes we seek what we have not made up our minds about. Asking one thing at the moment only to change our minds shortly afterwards. There are a number of other reasons why answer to prayer may be deferred but we can reserve those for another time.
Let’s take note that the man is referred to as unjust. Why was he so described? It is because no man can truly deliver justice on the earth without the guidance of heaven. A righteous judge knows he is occupying the bench under the hallow and influence of heaven. He is limited until he is completed by the One who sees all things and knows everything. Even while he may be incorruptible, the human judge cannot exist or operate exclusively to himself. Only God can help to accomplish what is just.
A man can be deceived or misled. He or she can render judgement that amounts to injustice simply because he/she is only able to see that which is visible to him/her. Appearances don’t always tell the whole story. Also, something can be cleverly disguised such that a side of an apple is revealed leaving out what has been eaten into deeply but concealed.
A just judge must equate himself with the physician who confesses, “we care, God cures”.
Solomon epitomized that just judge because he was not an exclusive entity. He was not limited to looking into the matter of the two harlots who came before him for judgement all by himself. Rather he submitted himself to guidance and help.
It is the nature of intelligent men to take on the cause of others by fighting for them. That is worthy by itself but some forget their limitation. The very act of outrage must be mediated and filtered through the divine perspective. Many function as an oasis of what is apt and inapt, motivated by their code of propriety.
It is important to have that recognition, that only God is just and the foundation for all justice. To be able to render justice in a manner that heals and restores, you will be completed by God Himself.
