In Jewish law….there are two groups of people that are lifted up over and over again for special attention — orphans and widows. It was because in Jewish society, orphans and widows were the most vulnerable. They had no one to protect them or speak for them in a world that was dominated by men. So anyone who observes Jewish laws…or is a judge over Israel’s people — would know that they are required by God to do right by them….to respond to their needs with compassion and justice.
That is the background for Jesus’s parable we read today. What that means is that the people listening really didn’t need Jesus to tell them that this judge had no fear of God or respect for others. That was obvious by his actions. It was clear as soon as he refused to give the widow justice. This judge was bad news. But yet, this widow…with her persistence….her refusal to be silent….her refusal to go away quietly when she was treated unfairly – this widow…with her public exposure of his character….finally convinced him to do the right thing. Okay…let’s just say it. She rocks.
In this world…there are many unjust judges. There are many people who have no fear of God and no respect for others. They ignore those who are vulnerable…and care nothing about those who have been treated unjustly. This week I’ve been sickened by stories of corrupt leaders who siphon off aid going to Haiti’s most vulnerable victims of the hurricane –people who have no fear of God or respect for others – the same people who for years have left these impoverished communities to suffer, while lining their own pockets with wealth. And it will only be when enough voices finally clamor loud enough, long enough…when enough people outside are made aware and put pressure on those leaders…that things will ever change. Sadly, is what it so often takes…just like in Jesus’ parable. But sometimes, those voices are silenced for so long and so brutally, it seems justice will never come.
We see it everywhere, don’t we? People who act with no fear of God and no respect for others. In every corner of the world people are taken advantage of – violated, humiliated, demeaned, assaulted, cheated, and manipulated by others who have more power in this world…and it seems like justice will never come. And it takes incredible strength and stamina to keep standing up for what is right after being ignored and denied time and time and time again. That’s why this widow rocks. She is courageous and tenacious. She doesn’t give up. Most of us do…at the first push back. We’re not made of very sturdy stock. But she keeps at it. I think of so many of the civil rights protestors….jailed, beaten, spit on, threatened …and they kept marching in the streets. They kept sitting on the bus. They kept going to school. They kept on, day and night…refusing to give up….just like this widow. And change began to happen. At least a little. And it wasn’t because those who did not fear God or respect others actually had a change of heart …no, mostly it was because they were worn down by their persistence… and because they started to look bad when their ugly hatred and bigotry was made public…and so they finally began to give in. Little by little.
Yes that’s the way the world works…the way of those who have power in the world and no fear of God or respect for others…the way of the unjust judges.
But let’s be clear — God is NOT an unjust judge. God’s goodness and faithfulness have no end. God’s mercy is everlasting. God is the protector of the vulnerable, the defender of the widow and the orphan, the one who lifts up the lowly and humbles the proud. God is the advocate of those who are abused and the adversary of those who abuse their power. We know THAT from scripture…and so did the people listening to Jesus. God’s own word demands justice for those who are taken advantage of – violated, humiliated, demeaned, assaulted, cheated, and manipulated by others who have more power in this world. But sometimes…sometimes…if doesn’t feel like it. Sometimes it feels like God’s not listening…like God doesn’t see what’s happening. And we can get weary of waiting…and wonder if God hears our prayers after all.
Our Bible Study for Anna Circle this week focused on that very question from Psalm 13. How Long, Lord? How long will you forget me? How long before you see my hurt? How long must my heart ache? How long will those in power exult over my humiliation? How long will this injustice and pain and suffering last? These are the prayers of God’s people all around the world. In Haiti. In Sudan. In Syria. In Russia. In Iraq. In Chicago. They were the prayers of the women gathered around the table in our fellowship hall. They are our prayers. We pray and pray and pray…and wonder, “How long, o Lord? We wonder if things will every change. But Jesus encourages us to keep praying and not lose heart.
Because those who have no fear of God or respect for others…they do not win the day. God wins. Pray and do not lose heart. Because God is good. In the face of our evil and injustice and abuse…God is good. And when it seems that hope is lost…when it seems that death is winning…keep praying. Because God resurrects the dead. Pray and do not lose heart.
Here’s the thing — even jerks finally do the right thing when we speak up long enough. How much more…how MUCH more will God — who is love, who is compassion, who lifts up the lowly –hear your prayer and be with you in the midst of your cries? How much MORE will God bring you justice and healing and a future filled with hope? So…pray and do not lose heart. Have faith in God….not in the unjust judge. Have faith in God. And may your faith in God…in God who defends the vulnerable….give you the courage of the widow…to not give up hope.
In the midst of this political season…many of us are asking…”how long, oh Lord?”. And we can lose heart. I’d like to share a video I came across this week with you – Matt shared it with the council on Tuesday – a reminder…to have faith and not lose heart.
https://www.facebook.com/lclivonia/videos/1029432547154192/?pnref=story
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