God Listens
Scripture Reading — Luke 18:1-8
“Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?”
Luke 18:7
The judge in today’s parable does not fear God or respect people. Judges like him were called “robber judges.” In our story, a poor widow goes to such a judge and pleads for justice. She keeps going to him and eventually wears him down. Finally he listens to her pleas, not for her sake but for his own.
The point of this parable isn’t to suggest that God needs to be begged like a crooked judge. The point is that if even a crooked judge eventually comes through, how much more will the God who loves justice respond to the prayers of his people! Through this parable Jesus teaches us to pray constantly and in faith—and not to lose heart.
The Bible includes many examples of people who prayed. And we have this promise: “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14). Consider these examples:
Hannah prayed, and God gave her a son who helped lead the people of Israel.
David prayed, and God forgave his sins and protected him from his enemies.
Daniel prayed, and he was able to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
Paul and Silas prayed, and an earthquake freed them from prison and helped them bring a jailer to know Jesus.
Though we may not get the answers we expect, God always hears us.
What requests do you want to bring to God today?
Father, help us to see that we may always turn to you in faith and not be discouraged. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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