Prayer is one of the most challenging disciplines in the Christian life. This may seem strange. After all, the Bible calls on us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Only when we look at the gross and extensive injustices taking place in our world—and failure of systems meant to uphold what is good (Romans 13:3)—prayer can feel discouraging. Prayer can feel pointless. Ineffective. Why pray for justice when evil so often seems to go unchecked?
Why pray for justice when evil so often seems to go unchecked?
When justice feels delayed and the wicked seem to prosper, it’s tempting to take matters into our own hands. Christians, however, are called to pray. This doesn’t mean we do nothing. If you are in a position to pursue justice actively, you must. But for many of us, prayer is the primary way we can and therefore should respond.
In this article I want to encourage you to persist in praying for justice. I will look at three encouragements we see from the parable Jesus told about the persistent widow in Luke 18.
1. Jesus’ Office
The persistent widow is seeking for justice from a judge who neither fears God nor has any respect for men (Luke 18:2). That can be a discouraging thing to know. But the widow’s confidence isn’t in the judge’s character; it’s in the authority of his office. As long as that office exists, she continues to appeals and eventually receives justice in her case.
We have access to God.
Contrast with that widow, believers have an even greater privilege. At one time we had no relationship with God our creator. We had no intention to even commune with him. Paul describes our lives prior to conversion as having, “no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). But now through the work of Christ we have access to God.
Jesus is our mediator, not only when we were enemies of God but even now as his children. As our high priest he understands our weakness and sympathises with us (Hebrews 4:15). When we cry out for justice to be done he hears us. The Lord sees us. He has experienced injustice and cried out to his Father (Hebrews 5:7). Therefore, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, praying for justice and trusting that we will receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).
2. You Are God’s Elect
Turning back to our parable, the widow received justice because she persisted. Jesus applies this by asking, “will not God give justice to his elect?” (Luke 18:7). The answer is surely ‘yes, he will give justice to his elect’. The unjust judge acted out of irritation, not because he was righteous. God, however, responds to his people because they are chosen by him. They are especial to him. Furthermore, he is righteous and just.
God responds to his people because they are chosen by him.
If an unjust judge can grant justice to a hapless widow, how much more will our good God hear his chosen people? Or consider a father like myself, it gives me joy to respond to the requests of my children. So Jesus assures us, “He will give justice to them speedily” (Luke 18:8). Continue praying for justice. God delights to hear his elect.
3. You Have Faith
Finally, Jesus asks another question. “Nevertheless, when the son of man comes will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). The answer is yes he will find faith. Believers are people who are described as people of faith. They can find themselves in difficult situations, yet they continue to have faith in God. They persevere. Faith is a gift from God and prayer is an expression of that faith. Prayer is a means of faith.
Faith is a gift from God and prayer is an expression of that faith.
A day is set. Jesus will come to judge the world (Acts 17:31). On that day our failed justice systems and global powers will be swept aside. The wicked that seemed to get away with it will be judged. In his perfect justice, Christ will judge the world. Justice will be done. The wicked will be punished for what they have done and those who know Christ will be saved.
To conclude, persist in praying for justice to be done. Until that day, persist in prayer. Jesus invites us to draw near him. He is our high priest. God loves his elect and he will give them justice. Don’t give up praying, for by it we persevere in faith until Christ returns.
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