536. LUK 18:1-8. THE UNJUST JUDGE

Luk_18:1-8. The Unjust Judge

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end. that men ought always to pray, and not to faint: saying. There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, neither regarded man," &c.’97Luk_18:1-8.

The one great purport of this parable is, to urge and vindicate the importance of earnest importunate prayer. The exercise of prayer is confessedly essential to true religion. The hindrances to prayer are many. Hence, many fail in carrying out the exercise and habit of spiritual devotion. Many too are the subjects of depression, and are liable even to distrust God, in reference to answers to prayer. They ask with apprehension, or with little faith’97doubting. Now to excite to prayer, and to induce to persevering prayer, is the design of this parable. The success of the widow is to be the ground of our expectation and success. If she persevered and succeeded, under circumstances so very unpropitious, shall not we obtain our suit, with so many favorable things to encourage us? For observe,

1. The character of the judge to whom she appealed. He was an unprincipled person, neither fearing God nor regarding man, Luk_18:2. Who had no regard to the divine laws, nor feared the displeasure of Jehovah. And who was so base and abandoned as to have no self-respect, nor caring for the esteem of those around him; for neither did he regard man. The popular favor had no attractions. The popular indignation no influence with him. He was desperate, lost to all sense of right and wrong. One who debased his office, and made self and iniquity the occupants of the judicial seat. Yet with this man, the woman succeeded. If so, think of the being we address in pi aver. The Holy One of Israel. The just and true God. Whose throne is based on righteousness. Whose laws and ways are all pure and just and good. Whose administrations are all wise and equitable and perfect. But more than this, remember the Divine goodness. His infinite immeasurable love. His boundless grace and benignity. His generous desire for the happiness of his intelligent offspring. The evidences too of his bounty and mercy, in the arrangements of providence, especially in the exceeding riches of his grace, in sending his Son to die for our sins, &c. Observe,

II. The person of the applicant. "A widow." One without rank, or influence, or wealth. One probably a stranger, without a friend to introduce her, or to plead for her. Yet she succeeded with this judge. Then turn from the widow and her state in reference to the judge, and think of the praying believer and his relation to God, the object of his supplications. God is the friend of the suppliant. He is his gracious father. His merciful Redeemer. Their connection is close and intimate and kind. They are united in covenant and mutual love. God delights in them, and they delight in God. They are one by solemn covenant,’97a covenant ratified by the blood of the cross. Surely, then, the Christian shall be heard in his prayers and supplications. Observe,

III. The engagements God has entered into in reference to prayer. The unjust judge was wearied out. For the sake of ease and quiet, he granted her request. But God will assuredly regard his people’s prayer,

(1.) Because of his titles. He is the revealed hearer and answerer of prayer. As such, he has proclaimed himself to his saints.

(2.) Because of his promises. These are presented in every possible form and variety. He has given these in great number. They are almost beyond enumeration. They are most express and direct and absolute. The honor and glory of God are concerned in their fulfilment. "They are all yea and amen," &c. "Whosoever asketh, receiveth," &c. These are the premises of God, "who cannot lie."

(3.) Because of his arrangements. The laws of his spiritual kingdom are as fixed and unalterable as those of the physical parts of the universe. He has set up the ordinance of prayer, as the medium through which he will be exalted, and his people blessed and saved. It is an appointment full of wisdom and love. We would urge the great object of the parable,

IV. From the value of the blessings we supplicate. This widow desired to be avenged of her adversary. That is, to have justice in some secular matter of litigation Her importunity was manifested to obtain some earthly good. Then how much more importunate should God’s people be, for the attainment of the precious blessings of life and salvation. The blessings we seek in prayer,

1. Are inexpressibly precious.

2. Necessary to our present happiness.

3. And essential to eternal salvation. The soul in all its capacities and desires, both for time and eternity, is concerned. How earnestly’97how eagerly’97how importunately should we seek the blessings of the well-ordered covenant. The conclusion of the parable clearly shows that God will avenge the quarrel of his people. Thus he reckons their enemies as his own, and their ultimate overthrow is certain. His "elect," his chosen believing children, shall not plead in vain. The question also asked, whether, when the Son of man cometh, he shall find faith on the earth,’97may refer either to the saints who may be tempted to doubt the approaching advent of their Lord and deliverer, or to the general unbelief of men, as to that great and momentous event.

Learn,

1. The nature of prevalent prayer.

2. The importance of earnest importunity and perseverance.

3. The certainty that acceptable prayer shall be effectual. "Therefore, men ought always to pray, and not to faint."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS